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11/11/2026 3:57:00 PM | Softball
LYNCHBURG, Va. – Liberty Softball Head Coach Dot Richardson has announced the addition of eight student-athletes to the Lady Flames' softball program for the 2027-28 academic year. Laila Bigham, Ella Pierce Hensley, Emma Hollingsworth, Lyla Hollingsworth, Nealy McCluskey, Haley McGuire, Ellie Mitchell and Brekkyn Stucke have all signed commitments to attend Liberty and play softball at Liberty beginning in the Fall of 2027.
This upcoming class includes players from Georgia, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Tennessee and Virginia. It also includes the second set of twins in program history (Emma and Lyla Hollingsworth) and first since Amber and Autumn Bishop (2017-21).
D1Softball.com has rated Liberty's class as the No. 29 recruiting class among all NCAA Division I softball programs, and No. 1 of any team outside of the Power Four Conferences.
Laila Bigham (P, Concord, Va./Rustburg High School)
A native of nearby Concord, Va., Laila Bigham is a dominant pitcher for Rustburg High School. A two-time first team All-District and two-time first team All-State selection, Bigham was named the District Pitcher of the Year this past season. As a junior, she earned first team All-State honors, with 332 strikeouts in 160 innings and a .094 opponents batting average while tossing six one-hitters, five no-hitters, one perfect game and two 21-striekout games. Bigham struck out 1.7 batters per inning as a freshman, with a .190 opponents batting average. During her sophomore season, she totaled 2.01 strikeouts per inning, a .139 opponents batting average and one 21-strikeout game. She also competed in high school volleyball.
Bigham is a second-generation Liberty Softball player, as her mom, Katie (Phillips) Bigham played for the Lady Flames from 1996-99 and was inducted into the Liberty Athletics Hall of Fame in 2017. Laila's older sister, Nahla, is a sophomore on Liberty's softball team. Their older sister, Eden Bigham, pitched for Virginia from 2023-26.
Coach Richardson: "Laila will bring a tremendous competitive spirit into the pitching circle. She will complement the current pitching staff with good speed and movement. We have high expectations for her and are excited to see how much she will contribute to the program. We are eager to have her join us."
Hailing from Buford, Ga., Ella Pierce Hensley joins the Lady Flames as an outfielder. She helped Buford High School to four straight GHSA 7A State finals appearances, including state titles as both a freshman and junior. She batted .500 as a freshman for a Buford team which won a national championship. Hensley has hit .400 or better all four years of high school. She was twice named Gwinnett County August Player of the Month, while also receiving the Ms. October Award last year. A two-time All-Region player, she was named a Top State Tournament Performer in 2025 and was a nominee for the 2026 Georgia All-State Game.
A dual-sport athlete, she also competed in flag football in high school.
Her father, Anthony Hensley, played baseball at Baylor before being drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 2000 MLB Draft and spending three seasons in the Phillies organization.
Coach Richardson: "Ella Pierce "EP" is an extremely competitive athlete who will have an impact on both sides of the ball. Her offensive game will bring power and consistency. On defense she has a strong arm and high softball IQ. We are blessed to welcome her to our program."
Emma Hollingsworth will join the Lady Flames along with her twin sister, Lyla, after starring at Malden Catholic High School. She was named a 2022 USA Softball Region I All-American. The infielder has helped her team to a pair of Catholic Conference Championships. After earning Varsity Rookie of the Year honors as a freshman, she followed up bat batting .537 with a 1.445 OPS, 46 runs scored and 15 stolen bases as a sophomore. She is a two-time Catholic Conference All-Star. This past season, she hit .538 with a 1.522 OPS, four homers, 27 RBI, 52 runs scored and 11 stolen bases. She was her team's Varsity Defensive Player of the Year as a sophomore before being named Varsity Captain and MVP as a junior.
Emma Hollingsworth has played two seasons of varsity basketball.
Her mother, Julie (Cahill) Hollingsworth, played volleyball at Saint Anselm.
Coach Richardson: "Emma brings speed to the outfield and consistency at the plate. She has a love for the game that is contagious. We are excited to see her in a Liberty uniform! We are so excited to welcome her to our program."
A native of Bedford, Mass., Lyla Hollingsworth excels in the outfield at Malden Catholic High School. Playing alongside her twin sister, Emma Hollingsworth, Lyla has helped Malden Catholic to two Catholic Conference Championships. Lyla was a 2022 USA Softball Region I All-American. She hit .530 with a 1.390 OPS as a freshman, earning her first of three Catholic Conference All-Star honors. The following season, she was named Varsity Captain and MVP, hitting .640 with a 2.25 OPS, 16 homers and 55 RBI. She was a Varsity Captain and Offensive Player of the Year as a junior, batting .527 with a .1859 OPS, 13 homers, 48 RBI and 49 runs scored.
Lyla Hollingsworth has played two seasons of varsity basketball.
Her mother, Julie (Cahill) Hollingsworth, played volleyball at Saint Anselm.
Coach Richardson: "Lyla is a tremendous athlete who will contribute in amazing ways. We are excited about what she will bring to the team on offense and defense. She has a high softball IQ and is a standout athlete. We are thrilled to welcome her to our program."
Nealy McCluskey comes to Liberty as a standout catcher for Christ Presbyterian Academic in Brentwood, Tenn. She is a two-time Region MVP and two-time TSWA All-State selection. As a sophomore, she was rated a four-star prospect by Softball America in addition to being rated the No. 1 catcher in Tennessee. She hit .478 with a 1.391 OPS, four homers and 28 RBI as a freshman, and then batted .526 with a 1.663 OPS, seven homers and 29 RBI the following year. As a junior, she hit .549 with a 1.599 OPS, five homers and 48 RBI, earning All-Region honors and helping her team to the first Region championship in program history. She was a 2025 All Mid-State High School Team selection while also being a Nashville Area Softball Player of the Year finalist.
McCluskey also played high school volleyball.
Her brother, Reagan McCluskey, plays baseball at Dallas Baptist.
Coach Richardson: "Nealy is tremendous! She will bring leadership and athletic talent behind the plate. Nealy will provide a strong voice to our defense. She will add a competitive drive and power to our offense as well. We are extremely excited to welcome her to our program."
Hailing from Lexington, Ky., Haley McGuire is a power hitter at first base for Frederick Dougalss High School. Also a pitcher, McGuire is the FDHS career leader in RBI, doubles, homers, walks and pitching wins while ranking second in career strikeouts. McGuire is a three-time All-City, All-Region, All-District and Academic All-State selection and has twice been named All-State. She has led her team in batting all three years, including her freshman year when she hit .614 with 47 RBI, 27 doubles and 10 homers. As a sophomore, she led FDHS to its first-ever District Title, earning District Tournament MVP honors. She hit .533 with 20 doubles and 10 home runs as a sophomore before batting .515 with 10 homers and 32 RBI the following season.
Her father, Jason McGuire, played baseball at Kentucky, while her mother, Christi McGuire, played basketball at Campbellsville University.
Coach Richardson: "Haley is an outstanding athlete. She has a strong presence in the box that leads to her power and consistency offensively. Her leadership qualities will bring a strong dimension to the team. We are blessed to have her a part of our program."
A native of Marietta, Ga., Ellie Mitchell is a standout catcher for North Cobb Christian School. A three-time All-County and All-Region selection, she named to the All-State team twice. She was the only freshman varsity starter, and has excelled ever since. Mitchell batted .477 as a sophomore, while earning Offensive Player of the Year honors. As a junior, she hit .407 while throwing out .516 of would-be basestealers and picking off four runners. She helped her team reach the State Championship Final 4 as a junior and the Elite 8 as a senior. During her senior season, she hit .451 with a career-high nine homers and 35 RBI as a leadoff batter, with .565 caught stealing percentage and six pickoffs. She was a 2027 Georgia Dugout Club All-State Game selection.
In club softball, her Birmingham Thunderbolts were two-time PGF runners-up and a one-time Colorado Sparkler champion. The team earned a Line Drive Media T11 ranking.
Her mother, Brooke Mitchell, was a softball pitcher at Valdosta State, while her uncle, John King, pitched at Lipscomb before being drafted by the San Francisco Giants in the 2007 MLB Draft.
Coach Richardson: "Ellie is an excellent athlete, and that is showcased in her ability to play just about anywhere on the field. We are excited to add that diversity to our team. Her will to compete and her drive to win are what make her special. We are so excited to welcome her to our program."
Brekkyn Stucke is one of three Georgia natives joining the Liberty softball team in this class, as a standout infielder from Cambridge High School. She is a four-time letterwinner. As a freshman, she hit .381 with a .981 OPS, 21 RBI and 13 runs scored. A second team All-Region 6-4AAAA selection as a sophomore, she batted .352 with an .889 OPS, six doubles, 17 RBI and 23 runs scored that season. She was then named to the All-Region 6-4AAAA in 2026, batting .333 with a .977 OPS, nine doubles, three homers, 27 RBI and 17 runs. This fall, her stats jumped to a .539 average, 1.454 OPS, 18 doubles, five homers, 35 RBI and 42 runs scored.
Both of her parents played soccer at University of Mary in North Dakota, while her older sister, Aspyn Stucke, currently plays soccer at Chattanooga.
Coach Richardson: "Brekkyn is a well-rounded athlete who will bring speed and power to the lineup. She is a true competitor with a drive for excellence. Like her other incoming teammates, we have seen her have great success in high-level travel ball and are excited to see that translate at the collegiate level. We look forward to seeing Brekkyn in red, white and blue!"
This upcoming class includes players from Georgia, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Tennessee and Virginia. It also includes the second set of twins in program history (Emma and Lyla Hollingsworth) and first since Amber and Autumn Bishop (2017-21).
D1Softball.com has rated Liberty's class as the No. 29 recruiting class among all NCAA Division I softball programs, and No. 1 of any team outside of the Power Four Conferences.
Laila Bigham (P, Concord, Va./Rustburg High School)
A native of nearby Concord, Va., Laila Bigham is a dominant pitcher for Rustburg High School. A two-time first team All-District and two-time first team All-State selection, Bigham was named the District Pitcher of the Year this past season. As a junior, she earned first team All-State honors, with 332 strikeouts in 160 innings and a .094 opponents batting average while tossing six one-hitters, five no-hitters, one perfect game and two 21-striekout games. Bigham struck out 1.7 batters per inning as a freshman, with a .190 opponents batting average. During her sophomore season, she totaled 2.01 strikeouts per inning, a .139 opponents batting average and one 21-strikeout game. She also competed in high school volleyball.
Bigham is a second-generation Liberty Softball player, as her mom, Katie (Phillips) Bigham played for the Lady Flames from 1996-99 and was inducted into the Liberty Athletics Hall of Fame in 2017. Laila's older sister, Nahla, is a sophomore on Liberty's softball team. Their older sister, Eden Bigham, pitched for Virginia from 2023-26.
Coach Richardson: "Laila will bring a tremendous competitive spirit into the pitching circle. She will complement the current pitching staff with good speed and movement. We have high expectations for her and are excited to see how much she will contribute to the program. We are eager to have her join us."
Ella Pierce Hensley (OF, Buford, Ga./Buford High School)Officially a Flame! ?? Welcome to the Mountain, Laila! ?? https://t.co/gHjHR4yVWT
— Liberty Softball (@LibertySB) November 11, 2026
Hailing from Buford, Ga., Ella Pierce Hensley joins the Lady Flames as an outfielder. She helped Buford High School to four straight GHSA 7A State finals appearances, including state titles as both a freshman and junior. She batted .500 as a freshman for a Buford team which won a national championship. Hensley has hit .400 or better all four years of high school. She was twice named Gwinnett County August Player of the Month, while also receiving the Ms. October Award last year. A two-time All-Region player, she was named a Top State Tournament Performer in 2025 and was a nominee for the 2026 Georgia All-State Game.
A dual-sport athlete, she also competed in flag football in high school.
Her father, Anthony Hensley, played baseball at Baylor before being drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 2000 MLB Draft and spending three seasons in the Phillies organization.
Coach Richardson: "Ella Pierce "EP" is an extremely competitive athlete who will have an impact on both sides of the ball. Her offensive game will bring power and consistency. On defense she has a strong arm and high softball IQ. We are blessed to welcome her to our program."
Emma Hollingsworth (INF, Bedford, Mass./Malden Catholic High School)Officially a Flame! ?? Welcome to the Mountain, Ella! ?? https://t.co/7qjEyoBr8r
— Liberty Softball (@LibertySB) November 11, 2026
Emma Hollingsworth will join the Lady Flames along with her twin sister, Lyla, after starring at Malden Catholic High School. She was named a 2022 USA Softball Region I All-American. The infielder has helped her team to a pair of Catholic Conference Championships. After earning Varsity Rookie of the Year honors as a freshman, she followed up bat batting .537 with a 1.445 OPS, 46 runs scored and 15 stolen bases as a sophomore. She is a two-time Catholic Conference All-Star. This past season, she hit .538 with a 1.522 OPS, four homers, 27 RBI, 52 runs scored and 11 stolen bases. She was her team's Varsity Defensive Player of the Year as a sophomore before being named Varsity Captain and MVP as a junior.
Emma Hollingsworth has played two seasons of varsity basketball.
Her mother, Julie (Cahill) Hollingsworth, played volleyball at Saint Anselm.
Coach Richardson: "Emma brings speed to the outfield and consistency at the plate. She has a love for the game that is contagious. We are excited to see her in a Liberty uniform! We are so excited to welcome her to our program."
Lyla Hollingsworth (OF, Bedford, Mass./Malden Catholic High School)Officially a Flame! ?? Welcome to the Mountain, Emma! ?? https://t.co/VvKeMglfEt
— Liberty Softball (@LibertySB) November 11, 2026
A native of Bedford, Mass., Lyla Hollingsworth excels in the outfield at Malden Catholic High School. Playing alongside her twin sister, Emma Hollingsworth, Lyla has helped Malden Catholic to two Catholic Conference Championships. Lyla was a 2022 USA Softball Region I All-American. She hit .530 with a 1.390 OPS as a freshman, earning her first of three Catholic Conference All-Star honors. The following season, she was named Varsity Captain and MVP, hitting .640 with a 2.25 OPS, 16 homers and 55 RBI. She was a Varsity Captain and Offensive Player of the Year as a junior, batting .527 with a .1859 OPS, 13 homers, 48 RBI and 49 runs scored.
Lyla Hollingsworth has played two seasons of varsity basketball.
Her mother, Julie (Cahill) Hollingsworth, played volleyball at Saint Anselm.
Coach Richardson: "Lyla is a tremendous athlete who will contribute in amazing ways. We are excited about what she will bring to the team on offense and defense. She has a high softball IQ and is a standout athlete. We are thrilled to welcome her to our program."
Nealy McCluskey (C/1B, Brentwood, Tenn./Christ Presbyterian Academy)Officially a Flame! ?? Welcome to the Mountain, Lyla! ?? https://t.co/mPEXiLUJzK
— Liberty Softball (@LibertySB) November 11, 2026
Nealy McCluskey comes to Liberty as a standout catcher for Christ Presbyterian Academic in Brentwood, Tenn. She is a two-time Region MVP and two-time TSWA All-State selection. As a sophomore, she was rated a four-star prospect by Softball America in addition to being rated the No. 1 catcher in Tennessee. She hit .478 with a 1.391 OPS, four homers and 28 RBI as a freshman, and then batted .526 with a 1.663 OPS, seven homers and 29 RBI the following year. As a junior, she hit .549 with a 1.599 OPS, five homers and 48 RBI, earning All-Region honors and helping her team to the first Region championship in program history. She was a 2025 All Mid-State High School Team selection while also being a Nashville Area Softball Player of the Year finalist.
McCluskey also played high school volleyball.
Her brother, Reagan McCluskey, plays baseball at Dallas Baptist.
Coach Richardson: "Nealy is tremendous! She will bring leadership and athletic talent behind the plate. Nealy will provide a strong voice to our defense. She will add a competitive drive and power to our offense as well. We are extremely excited to welcome her to our program."
Haley McGuire (1B, Lexington, Ky./Frederick Douglass High School)Officially a Flame! ?? Welcome to the Mountain, Nealy! ?? https://t.co/TkYVdNIPxl
— Liberty Softball (@LibertySB) November 11, 2026
Hailing from Lexington, Ky., Haley McGuire is a power hitter at first base for Frederick Dougalss High School. Also a pitcher, McGuire is the FDHS career leader in RBI, doubles, homers, walks and pitching wins while ranking second in career strikeouts. McGuire is a three-time All-City, All-Region, All-District and Academic All-State selection and has twice been named All-State. She has led her team in batting all three years, including her freshman year when she hit .614 with 47 RBI, 27 doubles and 10 homers. As a sophomore, she led FDHS to its first-ever District Title, earning District Tournament MVP honors. She hit .533 with 20 doubles and 10 home runs as a sophomore before batting .515 with 10 homers and 32 RBI the following season.
Her father, Jason McGuire, played baseball at Kentucky, while her mother, Christi McGuire, played basketball at Campbellsville University.
Coach Richardson: "Haley is an outstanding athlete. She has a strong presence in the box that leads to her power and consistency offensively. Her leadership qualities will bring a strong dimension to the team. We are blessed to have her a part of our program."
Ellie Mitchell (C, Marietta, Ga./North Cobb Christian School)Officially a Flame! ?? Welcome to the Mountain, Haley! ?? https://t.co/FzoDXrnxVy
— Liberty Softball (@LibertySB) November 11, 2026
A native of Marietta, Ga., Ellie Mitchell is a standout catcher for North Cobb Christian School. A three-time All-County and All-Region selection, she named to the All-State team twice. She was the only freshman varsity starter, and has excelled ever since. Mitchell batted .477 as a sophomore, while earning Offensive Player of the Year honors. As a junior, she hit .407 while throwing out .516 of would-be basestealers and picking off four runners. She helped her team reach the State Championship Final 4 as a junior and the Elite 8 as a senior. During her senior season, she hit .451 with a career-high nine homers and 35 RBI as a leadoff batter, with .565 caught stealing percentage and six pickoffs. She was a 2027 Georgia Dugout Club All-State Game selection.
In club softball, her Birmingham Thunderbolts were two-time PGF runners-up and a one-time Colorado Sparkler champion. The team earned a Line Drive Media T11 ranking.
Her mother, Brooke Mitchell, was a softball pitcher at Valdosta State, while her uncle, John King, pitched at Lipscomb before being drafted by the San Francisco Giants in the 2007 MLB Draft.
Coach Richardson: "Ellie is an excellent athlete, and that is showcased in her ability to play just about anywhere on the field. We are excited to add that diversity to our team. Her will to compete and her drive to win are what make her special. We are so excited to welcome her to our program."
Brekkyn Stucke (INF, Milton, Ga./Cambridge High School)Officially a Flame! ?? Welcome to the Mountain, Ellie! ?? https://t.co/6CmR20FJM8
— Liberty Softball (@LibertySB) November 11, 2026
Brekkyn Stucke is one of three Georgia natives joining the Liberty softball team in this class, as a standout infielder from Cambridge High School. She is a four-time letterwinner. As a freshman, she hit .381 with a .981 OPS, 21 RBI and 13 runs scored. A second team All-Region 6-4AAAA selection as a sophomore, she batted .352 with an .889 OPS, six doubles, 17 RBI and 23 runs scored that season. She was then named to the All-Region 6-4AAAA in 2026, batting .333 with a .977 OPS, nine doubles, three homers, 27 RBI and 17 runs. This fall, her stats jumped to a .539 average, 1.454 OPS, 18 doubles, five homers, 35 RBI and 42 runs scored.
Both of her parents played soccer at University of Mary in North Dakota, while her older sister, Aspyn Stucke, currently plays soccer at Chattanooga.
Coach Richardson: "Brekkyn is a well-rounded athlete who will bring speed and power to the lineup. She is a true competitor with a drive for excellence. Like her other incoming teammates, we have seen her have great success in high-level travel ball and are excited to see that translate at the collegiate level. We look forward to seeing Brekkyn in red, white and blue!"
Officially a Flame! ?? Welcome to the Mountain, Brekkyn! ?? https://t.co/IWAVJO7y7V
— Liberty Softball (@LibertySB) November 11, 2026
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