By Chris Parker
Liberal girls basketball enters the 2025-26 season with a new head coach in Emmy Colin.
“It has been my dream to be a coach,” Colin said. “I truly believe that education and coaching is one of the biggest and best ways to impact the next generation to be successful and prepared for life. I am excited to have the opportunity to lead these girls. I am looking forward to the journey of working hard to become the best team we can be. Of course, every coach’s goal is to go into districts with the goal of winning a state championship. Our goal will be to put in the daily work in preparation in order to become the best team we can be and so we are prepared for the battle ahead of us.”
She inherits a team coming off a 20-8 season with a fast team featuring a good core of upperclassmen.
“The biggest strength for our team this year will be our pressure on defense and the speed of our guards,” Colin said. “We have a couple players who can get after it defensively and get stops. Our goal will be to turn defense into offense and keep teams under pressure the majority of the game. Another strength is the experience of our junior and senior class. The junior and senior class were a part of our team that went to the Final Four two years ago, so they have a taste of what it takes to be successful and the work it takes to make it that far. I believe we will be a balanced team scoring wise and be able to attack opponents from every position.”
Tegan Dyer (junior forward), Ally Barton (junior guard), Ava Garrett (junior guard), Sadie Meadows (junior guard) and Hadlee Meadows (senior guard/forward) all averaged more than 15 minutes a game last season.
Dyer averaged 5.3 points with 4.3 rebounds per game last season.
“Teagan is a versatile player who can work inside out,” Colin said. “She also has the potential to be a shot blocker on the inside with her length.”
Barton is the leading returning scorer (7.3 ppg) and rebounder (6.2 rpg).
“Ally is our playmaker and absolutely gets after it on defense, typically guarding the other team’s best player,” Colin said. “She is fast and has a motor.”
Garrett contributed 1 point and 1.8 rebounds per game last season.
Sadie Meadows brings back 2.9 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game.
“Sadie is an all-around solid player,” Colin said. “Offensively and defensively, she does her job and does it well.”
Hadlee Meadows averaged 2.9 points and 2.4 rebounds per game.
“Hadlee is one of the leaders on our team that guards the chemistry of our team,” Colin said. “She communicates on the floor and will be a strong rebounder for us on the glass.”
Peyton Lair (sophomore guard) and Aleena Buss (junior guard) are both also in line for varsity minutes.
“I believe these girls will play a major role in giving us depth to be able to have the pressure we want to apply on defense while also being able to take care of the ball on offense,” Colin said.
Liberal graduated almost 30 points per game from last season’s team. Replacing that production will be a committee approach.
“After losing a significant amount of our scoring in graduated seniors, we will need to switch our mindset to everyone being a threat offensively,” Colin said.
Liberal opens the regular season on Nov. 25 at home against McAuley Catholic.
