‘Triathlon’ magazine honors Liberty’s program as one of 10 best in the U.S.

Liberty University's triathlon program is ranked No. 9 on "Triathlon" magazine's "Tri Big 10" list of the top collegiate teams in the nation, which includes several programs that are on the verge of competing among the NCAA Division I ranks in women's triathlon.

The Flames and Lady Flames were listed in elite company behind Queens University, Arizona State University, University of California Berkeley, University of Colorado Boulder, the Naval Academy, Colorado State University, Wingate University, and the University of Arizona and ahead of Stanford University, which rounded out the top 10.

The article, which was published on Thursday, includes sections on all 10 programs highlighting some of their top triathletes and rising stars as well as recognizing their placement at the 2023 USA Triathlon National Championships (Liberty placed eighth overall) and coaching staffs. The Flames and Lady Flames are led by sixth-year Head Coach Heather Gollnick, a five-time Ironman national champion, and her husband, Todd, her assistant coach who has served as director of the national event and many other races.

The breakout segment for Liberty's program cites the program's "supportive, Christian-based environment that values faith and compassion" as one of its strengths.

"This faith-driven foundation gives their athletic endeavors a sense of purpose around shared values," the article states, noting that the team fosters an exceptional bond and profound sense of community. "This tight-knit community has proven its resilience in recent times of hardship, rallying together in the wake of a tragic cycling accident that took the life of teammate Josiah Fowler (this past May)."

It also refers to Liberty alumnus and former head coach Parker Spencer, who in January received the USAT Olympic Coach of the Year award in his fifth year as head coach for USAT's Project Podium.

The Flames and Lady Flames, who opened the season by sweeping first place in the men's and women's collegiate sprint races at the Sept. 10 Patriots Triathlon in Williamsburg, Va., are scheduled to compete in Saturday's Giant Acorn Triathlon at Lake Anna State Park in Spotsylvania, Va., weather permitting as Tropical Storm Ophelia bears down on eastern Virginia.