A local student-athlete recently had the chance to meet her idol, a two-time Olympic gold medalist who’s now the head softball coach at Liberty University.
Bella Barone of Rockbridge County, who studies through Acellus Academy, an accredited online school created by the International Academy of Science, traveled to Liberty University with her Maroon Crush travel softball team.
There they met Dr. Dot Richardson, the Liberty softball head coach, who offered a look at the dedication required at the collegiate level.
“I was thrilled to finally meet Dot,” Barone said. “Her presence in the conference room left a strong impression. She’s one of the most motivating voices I’ve ever heard. Dot reminded us that God created each of us beautifully different for a purpose. She challenged us to give everything we have, in practice, in games, in school, and in our relationships, and to work hard every day to become our best.
“The best advice I remember her giving was this: The greatest players don’t shine alone; they work together to lift others up,” she said.
“It was an honor to meet Dot, train with the team, and the opportunity to play with my teammates on Kamphuis Field at Liberty Softball Stadium,” she concluded. “It’s a day I will never forget.”
A consistent honor roll student, Barone maintains a 4.0 GPA at Acellus Academy while excelling on the softball field with a batting average between .500 and .667. She plays for the Maroon Crush 2K32 team. Maroon Crush Sports is a Southwest and Central Virginia travel-ball organization with about 21 competitive baseball, softball, and basketball teams and is based in Botetourt.
