Liberty’s Abby Stenerson bringing star power to first-year flag football program

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO)--Liberty sophomore Abby Stenerson has already built a reputation as one of the top young softball players in the country. Now, she's making a name for herself on a different field.

The standout athlete, known for crushing home runs and making plays on the diamond, has become one of the biggest weapons for Liberty's inaugural girls flag football team.

"I love running the ball. I love catching the ball. I love running, cutting, juking people running. That's my favorite thing ever," Stenerson said.

Her impact has been immediate.

Whenever Stenerson gets the ball, her teammates and coaches expect something special to happen.

"I just know when she catches the ball, she's going to score a touchdown," freshman teammate Morgan VanHorn said.

That confidence isn't misplaced. Through the early part of the season, Stenerson has quickly emerged as one of the team's most dynamic playmakers.

"Our success is dictated by the lack of my imagination to get her the ball," Liberty's head coach Cody Jamison explained..

What's even more impressive is that this is Stenerson's first experience playing football.

Liberty is fielding its first-ever girls flag football team this season, creating a new opportunity for athletes across the school. While everyone is learning the game together, Stenerson has embraced the challenge.

"It's a little different. I wasn't sure what to expect, but it's been a lot of fun hanging out with these girls and playing this game," she said.

Earlier this summer, she helped Team USA win a gold medal as a member of the U-15 National Team, further solidifying her status as one of the nation's top softball prospects.

"It was so much fun. Winning that gold medal was, I think, the coolest thing I've ever done so far," Stenerson said. "I just tried to never take anything for granted and had a lot of fun."

While softball remains her future, Stenerson says flag football is helping her improve in ways that go beyond athletic ability.

"I think flag football helps with my mindset. Softball is a very mental sport and there's a lot of failure," she said. "Being able to come out here, succeed and have fun with no pressure... we're starting something new here at Liberty. It's just a fun sport."

For one of the country's brightest rising softball stars, flag football isn't a detour from her future goals.

Instead, it's another opportunity to compete, grow and dominate.

In addition to softball and flag football, Stenerson will compete in soccer, track and field and dive for Pine Creek High School.