Liberty University’s fall sports season isn’t just ticking along—it’s exploding. On November 19, 2025, the Flames’ athletic department dropped a cascade of updates that reveal a program thriving across disciplines, from the gridiron to the pool to the equestrian arena. While the football team struggles to recover from two straight losses ahead of their road clash with the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs, other programs are stealing the spotlight with national honors, elite competition, and standout performances that signal this isn’t just a good season—it’s a defining one.
Field Hockey’s National Spotlight
The biggest news came from the Liberty field hockey team, already ranked No. 6 in the nation and BIG EAST champions. Senior Lou Combrinck was named to the 2025 National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) Division I Senior Team, a rare honor reserved for the nation’s top 20 seniors. Meanwhile, teammate Isaacs earned a spot on South Africa’s Junior World Cup roster—a testament to the program’s global reach. The Flames are now set to face No. 10 Syracuse in the NCAA Sweet 16, a matchup that could propel them deeper into the tournament than ever before. "This isn’t just about winning games," said assistant coach Rachel Mendez in an internal memo. "It’s about building a legacy that attracts talent from continents away."Swimming Showdown at Liberty Natatorium
From the field to the pool, Liberty Natatorium in Lynchburg, Virginia is about to become a battleground. From the TYR '85 InviteLynchburg, Virginia, the UNC Asheville Women’s Swimming and Diving team arrives with momentum. Their divers—senior Haley Fein, junior Leigha Travis (a two-time Atlantic Sun Diver of the Week), and freshman Eleanor Pichetto—are coming in hot. "We’re coming with our best dives," said Diving Coach Bailey Betzer. "There’s going to be some real fireworks." The meet is more than just a midseason test. It’s a chance for Liberty’s own swimmers to prove they’re the region’s new powerhouse. Just days earlier, they’d left Eastern Region competitors in their wake at home, clocking multiple personal bests. "We’ve been waiting for this," said senior captain Marcus Teller. "The water’s ready. So are we."From the Bench to the Boardroom
Beyond competition, Liberty’s culture is evolving. The university’s Champion publication spotlighted Alexis Sherard, a former standout in women’s basketball, who’s now stepping into a leadership role within the program’s operations. "She didn’t just play the game—she learned how to build it," wrote author Anna White. "Now she’s shaping the next generation from the inside out." Meanwhile, the article "Former Flame burns bright" chronicled the post-grad journey of 2023 graduate Devonte Reed, now a standout in the German Basketball League. "Liberty didn’t just train me to win games," Reed told the publication. "It taught me how to lead when no one’s watching."
Equestrian, Wrestling, and the Quiet Rise
While the pool and field hockey get headlines, other programs are quietly dominating. The Liberty equestrian teams—both Hunt Seat and Western—delivered strong performances at Region 4 shows last week, riding away with top team finishes despite traveling across state lines. The men’s wrestling program, meanwhile, used the Cougar Open and King Open to stress-test its underclassmen. "We saw growth in guys nobody expected to step up," said head coach Marcus Boone. "That’s the sign of a program building depth, not just stars."What’s Next? The Road to Championships
The calendar doesn’t slow down. After the TYR Invite, Liberty’s swimming team heads to Charlotte for the Fall Frenzy Invitational, where UNC Asheville’s swimmers—including Atlantic Sun Swimmer of the Week Anna Marcotti—will compete from November 20–24. Meanwhile, football faces Louisiana Tech on Saturday, needing a win to stay alive in bowl contention. The field hockey team’s Sweet 16 clash with Syracuse looms just days after the swimming meet. And behind the scenes, Liberty’s athletic department is already planning for a record-breaking winter season, with increased funding for athlete development and new facilities on the horizon.
Why This Matters
This isn’t just a collection of wins. It’s proof that Liberty University has built a true multi-sport powerhouse—not through one dominant team, but through a culture of excellence across the board. From a senior in field hockey representing her country to a freshman diver from rural North Carolina earning national recognition, the story here is about opportunity. And opportunity, it turns out, thrives in Lynchburg.Frequently Asked Questions
How significant is Lou Combrinck’s selection to the NFHCA Senior Team?
Lou Combrinck’s selection places her among the top 20 senior field hockey players in Division I, an honor given to less than 1% of athletes nationwide. Only three other players from the Big East earned the nod this year, making her the first Liberty athlete to do so since 2019. The recognition often leads to professional opportunities overseas and coaching roles post-graduation.
Why is the TYR '85 Invite such a big deal for Liberty’s swimming program?
The TYR '85 Invite is one of the most competitive midseason meets in the Southeast, attracting 12 NCAA Division I programs. Hosting it at Liberty Natatorium—built in 2020 with Olympic-standard timing systems—signals the university’s rising status in collegiate aquatics. Last year’s meet produced five NCAA ‘B’ cut times from Liberty swimmers alone.
What’s the impact of Isaacs making South Africa’s Junior World Cup team?
Isaacs becomes the first Liberty field hockey player to represent South Africa at the Junior World Cup since 2013. Her selection highlights the program’s global recruiting success and strengthens ties with international federations. It also opens scholarship pathways for future African athletes, with Liberty now being actively considered by the South African Hockey Association as a preferred U.S. partner.
How does Alexis Sherard’s new role reflect Liberty’s athletic culture?
Sherard’s transition from player to program administrator exemplifies Liberty’s "Lifelong Flame" initiative, which prioritizes retaining former athletes in leadership roles. Only 12% of Division I schools have formal pathways like this. Her work is already reshaping team logistics, mental health resources, and alumni engagement—proving that culture is built by those who’ve lived it.
Is Liberty’s football team still in contention for a bowl game?
Yes, but barely. With a 5-4 record heading into the Louisiana Tech game, Liberty needs at least one more win to reach the six-win threshold for bowl eligibility. Their remaining schedule includes two home games against mid-tier opponents, but a loss to Louisiana Tech would make their path far more difficult, likely requiring a conference championship upset.
What’s the significance of Liberty Natatorium hosting this many events?
Hosting multiple high-profile meets in a single week—like the TYR Invite and the Fall Frenzy—is rare for a non-Power Five school. It shows Liberty’s facility meets NCAA standards for elite competition and draws recruiting attention. The natatorium has already hosted three NCAA qualifiers this season, more than any other mid-major venue in the East.
