Who is she? Courtney Liddle, a former star catcher and first baseman for the Virginia Tech Hokies.
What is she known for? Liddle was a four-year starter for the Hokies, alternating between the first base and catching positions throughout her career. She was three times an all-conference selection and earned a trio of all-region honors. Liddle hit thirty-two home runs during her career as a Hokie, and ended her career at VT in first place in three program career statistical categories and in the top five in seven other categories. In 2013, Liddle was drafted with the 18th overall pick by the NY/NJ Comets in the National Pro Fastpitch draft. She played two years in the NPF.
Here’s something interesting… For the final two seasons of her career, Liddle was joined by a familiar face on the Hokies roster – her younger sister Bailey. The two Liddles often filled out the battery for their team, with Bailey in the pitching circle and Courtney behind the plate.
Quotable quote: “I’m all about resiliency. My mom made certain my sister and I learned life lessons through every softball challenge we faced and I never truly understood until after she was gone. The more I reflect on my playing career, the more I realize that softball taught us about failure, about overcoming challenges, and about being strong women. Softball taught us to love people well and lead well. That’s probably why my mom and dad supported us playing ball all the time! Sports taught me how to be a confident, loving, and resilient woman—much like my mother! Now as a mother, I’m so thankful!”
What’s she up to now? For the first two seasons after she graduated, Courtney hung around at VT, serving as the Hokies’ volunteer assistant coach. After spending the 2016 season as an assistant coach at McNeese State, Courtney was named the head coach at Zachary High School in Zachary, Louisiana and is in her second season as the school’s head coach. Now Mrs. Barbour and with son Micaiah, she also teaches English classes at the school.
Keep up: You can find Courtney on Twitter @courtbarbour and Instagram @courtneyyruth12.
