Sophia Gregory Earned Preseason All-Conference Honors
The Liberty University transfer secured preseason recognition ahead of the upcoming 2026-27 basketball season.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Basketball
Liberty Lady Flames athlete Sophia Gregory has been named to the preseason All-Conference USA team. Gregory joins the program following a successful tenure at Youngstown State.
Why it matters
This recognition highlights the immediate impact expectations for Gregory as she transitions to a new conference. Her arrival bolsters the Liberty roster following her standout defensive performance in the Horizon League.
Gregory recorded averages of 10.5 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game during her final season at Youngstown State. Over her two-year career at that institution, she maintained averages of 1.3 blocks and 1.5 steals per contest.
The players
Sophia Gregory
She is a student athlete at Liberty University and a former Horizon League Defensive Player of the Year.
Liberty Lady Flames
This is the women's basketball team representing Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia.
Youngstown State
This public university located in Ohio served as the former home for Gregory's collegiate basketball career.
The details
A graduate of West Branch High School, Gregory previously earned the 2026 Horizon League Defensive Player of the Year award. She opted to transfer to Liberty University in Lynchburg following the conclusion of the 2025-26 campaign.
Timeline
Sophia Gregory was named the 2025 Horizon League Freshman of the Year.
Gregory completed her two-season tenure at Youngstown State in 2026.
Gregory earned preseason All-Conference USA honors in October 2026.
The Liberty Lady Flames open their 2026-27 season against Frostburg State on November 2, 2026.
Season Trajectory
Gregory's preseason selection signals a high expectation for her role in shaping the Liberty Lady Flames' competitiveness in Conference USA. This move directly influences the team's defensive rotation and overall standing as they head into the new season.
Gregory's arrival and preseason recognition suggest she will be a central figure in the Liberty starting rotation for the upcoming season. Her production metrics indicate she will likely serve as a primary defensive anchor for the team throughout conference play.
The takeaway
Players transferring between conferences often face an adjustment period despite previous accolades. Fans should watch how Gregory's defensive rebounding and shot-blocking skills translate to the speed of play in Conference USA.
What happens next
The Liberty Lady Flames will play their first game of the 2026-27 season against Frostburg State on November 2, 2026.
Further reading
Find more coverage of local court news on the Basketball page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WKBN.
