The Liberty University softball team made history this season — and they’re giving all the glory to God.

In a thrilling NCAA Tournament run, the Lady Flames shocked the college softball world by becoming the first team in Super Regional history to eliminate a No. 1 overall seed in the opening round. After battling through a dramatic series of games, Liberty beat top-seeded Texas A&M twice, punching their ticket to the NCAA Super Regionals for the first time ever.

For head coach Dot Richardson, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, the win was about more than just sports. “First, all praise to the Lord,” she said in her postgame press conference. “God is so faithful. When I say that, I say it because you guys saw a battle out here. … It was amazing to watch, the talent that all the players have. And that’s what the Lord says: When you have your talents, put them out there to show.”

In one of the tournament’s most memorable moments, Liberty overcame a 3-0 deficit with clutch home runs from Rachel Roupe and Savannah Jessee. Roupe’s second home run of the game gave the Flames their first lead, and they never looked back, sealing a 6-5 victory. It was their 50th win of the season — a new school record.

After the game, junior Aubry Norris led the team in prayer on the field.

Praise be to God! pic.twitter.com/27lXpHlvK9

— Liberty Softball (@LibertySB) May 19, 2025

Faith is at the heart of everything Liberty does. It’s one of the largest Christian universities in the country, and Coach Richardson isn’t shy about putting Jesus first.

Earlier this year, after winning the Conference USA Tournament, Richardson even helped baptize 26 players from different teams across the conference. It’s just another example of how she sees softball as a way to serve God.

“I’ve been led here at Liberty … where we’re training champions for Christ,” she shared on the Sports Spectrum Podcast. “That is what really interests me. I knew as a young girl that God had given me a gift in athletics, and I knew it because I loved it so much, it was so natural.”

Under her leadership, Liberty has become a softball powerhouse, winning 40 or more games in six straight full seasons before this record-breaking 50-win year.

Sophomore infielder JaMaya Byrum also credits her faith for helping her stay grounded through the ups and downs of competition. “I want to control everything,” she said on a recent Sports Spectrum podcast. “But at the end of the day, I do have to realize that it’s a blessing to be here. I don’t deserve anything. … I can only be thankful for where my feet are.”

The Flames’ amazing season came to an end at the NCAA Eugene Super Regional, where they fell to No. 16 Oregon. But they left a mark on college softball and showed the world what it means to play — and live — for something greater.

“God has given us amazing gifts and opportunities,” Richardson said. “And I just want to encourage all of us to get to know Him more.”