Buzz builds as Sherard era begins for Liberty women’s hoops

As he assumes the role of head coach at one of the most successful women’s basketball programs in Conference USA, Alexis Sherard wants to sustain the program’s momentum.

“I’m not here to reinvent the wheel,” he said. “I’m adding my own wrinkles and continuing the strong tradition we’ve built here in Lynchburg.”

Sherard, a basketball lifer with deep ties to the region, has a total of 25 seasons in collegiate coaching. He spent the past 18 seasons working under former Flames coach Carey Green, who retired following the 2024-25 season.

“Coach Green and I talked for years about his vision for the program, and part of that was me succeeding him,” Sherard said. “He prepared me well. When God’s timing was right and our administration believed I was the one, it all came together.”

A roster with promise

Despite graduating four seniors, the Flames — winners of the 2024-25 Conference USA regular season and tournament titles — return with an abundance of talent, excitement and new energy. The Flames were picked to a second-place finish in CUSA in a poll of the league’s coaches.

Sherard points to emerging leaders like guard Avery Mills and center Emmy Stout, both of whom were named to the preseason all-conference team, as anchors who could help the squad maximize its potential.

The coach also touted newcomers JaKayla Thompson, a transfer from Boston College who will run the point guard spot, and Lydie Mwamba, an athletic wing transferring in from New Mexico, as key additions.

“There’s great energy with this group,” Sherard said. “It’s a new year and players are taking on new roles. We just need to channel that energy. We want to be more up-tempo. Expect more shot attempts and more pace.

“It’s incredibly hard to get to the NCAA Tournament come March. We’ll trust the process, stay in the moment and focus on being better tomorrow than we were yesterday.”

Cooking at home 

The Flames’ 14-game slate at Liberty Arena includes some elite matchups, with Duke, Richmond, East Carolina and conference rivals Louisiana Tech and Middle Tennessee all slated for trips to Lynchburg. Season-ticket packages remain available for club level and general admission sections. Single game tickets and 10-game packs are also available.

In Sherard’s view, the devoted fans at Liberty aren’t just bystanders. They’re a key piece of the team’s success.

“Our fans are our sixth man,” he said. “We’ve won a lot of games at Liberty Arena over the years, and I don’t think that’s a coincidence. We have loyal supporters who even travel home and away.”

Off the court, the production at a Flames game is hard to rival. From high-octane introductions to in-game activities to a fun, family-friendly halftime show, the product is impressive.

On the court, Sherard is confident the team will deliver.

“I want fans to see our sisterhood in how we play — organized, connected and executing,” he said. “Our vision hasn’t changed: train champions for Christ, win championships, get to the NCAA tournament and make noise in March.”

For more information, visit libertyflames.com.

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