Liberty University Head Coach Dot Richardson got a two-for-one special when she recruited, offered and got verbal commitments from twin sisters Emma and Lyla Hollingsworth, who are juniors at Malden (Mass.) Catholic High, early in September.

The sisters joined the Rhode Island Thunder travel ball program in 2020 as 11-year-olds and in their half decade with Head Coach Dave Lotti have certainly made a big impression.

Lotti has been around the twins for about half a decade and raves about that they’ve meant—and done—in his program.

“Lyla and Emma are two of the hardest working players I have been around,” he begins. “Lyla has been with the Rhode Island Thunder for five years and Emma four years with one year playing for the Birmingham Thunderbolts.”

So what makes them D1 caliber, we asked?

“They have always received quality instruction and worked hard on their own to perfect their craft,” Coach Lotti continues.

“Emma and Lyla were never the biggest or the strongest but were always two of the smartest. With the support of family, and a belief in themselves, they were able to accomplish their dream to commit to Liberty University.”

The strengths of the twins vary, their club coach explains.

“Lyla is a middle infielder whose instincts are second to none. She is the glue that keeps everything together on the field and is another coach out there. Lyla is a 5-tool player who can do it all.”

“Emma patrols the outfield where she is one of the best in the country,” the long-time coach continues. “She makes everything look easy out there and offensively is an on-base machine.”

Lotti says he’s loved seeing the development of the 2027 standouts and is excited to follow their future in college.

“Through hard work, dedication and the ability to handle failure as just an obstacle to get better, Emma and Lyla have found the perfect home at Liberty where they can follow their faith and play for one of the finest teachers in the country in Coach Richardson.

“They are truly proud to be attending Liberty University and the Thunder family is extremely proud of who they have become both on and off the field.”

Line Drive caught up with the twins to get their thoughts on their softball careers and the opportunity to play at the next level together…

*****

Name: Emma Hollingsworth
Hometown: Bedford, MA
Grad Year: Class of 2027
Position: OF
Club Team: Rhode Island Thunder 16U National Lotti
High School: Malden Catholic High School, Malden MA

Top Stats:

• During high school (Spring of 2025: I had 93 at bats with an average of .537 and OPS of 1.445
• During travel ball (Summer of 2025): I had 81 at bats with an average of .395 and OPS of 1.164

Top Honors:
High school varsity softball Freshman Rookie of the Year, high school varsity sophomore Defensive Player of the Year

BLESSED ✝️@LibertySB @CoachDot_LU @SamiFagan @coachkfagan @kickem2theKIRB @thunderjam134 @BobRossiRITG @RITG16unational @MCathletics1 pic.twitter.com/IQOX64lcLV

— Emma Hollingsworth (@EmmaHoll2027) September 3, 2025

When did you officially commit?
I committed on Monday September 1^st.

How did you do it and where?
I was home with my family when Coach Dot called me.

What factors were key in your choice?
When I started this journey, I knew I wanted to be in an environment with coaches that I could be myself, feel close to God, and feel at home. I feel all of that and more when I’m at Liberty. I love Coach Dot, Coach Sami (Fagan), and Coach Kasey (Fagan), and the way they care about and support their players on and off the field.

Did you do anything to celebrate the big decision?
I went out to dinner with my family.

Did you take other official visits?
I did not but I’m very grateful for the coaches that took the time and reached out to me on September 1st.

What did your future coaches say they liked about your game enough to offer you?
Coach Dot told me she believed in me and my abilities.

Have they said how they see using you?
Coach Dot encouraged me to continue to work hard and be ready to compete when I arrive at Liberty my freshman year.

What, in your opinion, are 1-3 of your biggest softball accomplishments? 

1. Playing on the 12U All American Region 1 Stars team in OKC in 2022.
2. Champions of the Colorado Sparkler in 2024 with my Bolts team.
3. Hitting my first career grand slam during the Colorado Patriot Games bracket play in July 2025.

Anything else you’d like to add about this exciting event? 
Thank you, God, for turning my dream of playing D1 softball alongside my sister into a reality. GO GOD, GO FLAMES!

*****

Name: Lyla Hollingsworth
Hometown: Bedford, MA
Grad Year: Class of 2027
Position: MIF
Club Team: Rhode Island Thunder 16U National Lotti
High Scool: Malden Catholic High School, Malden MA

Top Stats:

• Spring 2025 high school ball: 22 games, 75 at-bats, batting average of .693, OPS of 2.253, 16 home runs, 55 RBIs, 46 runs scored and 15 steals.
• Summer 2025 travel ball: 49 games, 101 at-bats, batting average of .356, OPS of 1.228, 13 home runs, 49 RBIs, 33 runs and 13 steals.

Top Honors:
High school varsity softball freshman MVP, high school varsity sophomore MVP and Offensive Player of the Year, high school captain sophomore year.

God is great 🙏@LibertySB @CoachDot_LU @SamiFagan @coachkfagan @kickem2theKIRB @RITG16unational @thunderjam134 @BobRossiRITG @MCathletics1 pic.twitter.com/Gn6cRO0y3e

— Lyla Hollingsworth (@LylaHollingswo1) September 3, 2025

When did you officially commit?
On Monday night September 1, 2025.

How did you do it and where?
At my house on the phone with Coach Dot and my parents.

What factors were key in your choice?
The environment at Liberty is so friendly and welcoming. I knew when I first visited for a camp in 8^th grade that Liberty was the right place for me. Each and every visit since then it has felt more and more like my home away from home. From the very first time I met Coach Dot, Coach Sami, and Coach Kasey, I felt a very strong connection. They are so amazing and inspiring. I feel my relationship with God strengthening when I’m around them. While being a student athlete, I know I will grow deeper in my faith at Liberty and that is so important to me.

Did you do anything to celebrate the big decision?
I went out to dinner out with my parents, sister, and brother at one of our favorite steak restaurants.

Did you take other official visits?
I did not, however, I greatly appreciate all the coaches that reached out to me on September 1^st.

What did your future coaches say they liked about your game enough to offer you?
Coach Dot stated she believed in me and my abilities.

Have they said how they see using you?
Coach Dot asked me to stay focused on my training and continue to work hard so when I arrive at Liberty, I’m ready to compete.

What, in your opinion, are 1-3 of your biggest softball accomplishments? 

1. Playing on the 12U All American Region 1 Stars Team in OKC.
2. Placing 5^th place with my 14U Rhode Island Thunder National Team at the 2023 PGF National Championship.
3. Being selected high school varsity MVP freshman and sophomore year

Anything else you’d like to add about this exciting event?
I’m so happy I can continue playing with my best friend and twin sister Emma. We didn’t just dream of playing D1 college softball we dreamed of playing D1 college softball together. Our paths getting here weren’t exactly the same but we supported and pushed each other every step of the way. ALL GLORY TO GOD!

— Brentt Eads/Line Drive Softball