Palmer, Hess Join Liberty WBB Staff as Assistant Coaches
9/1/2025 11:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
LYNCHBURG, Va. – New Liberty Women's Basketball Head Coach Alexis Sherard completed his staff for the 2025-26 season on Monday, announcing the addition of Brad Palmer and Emma Hess as assistant coaches.
Palmer, a coaching veteran, will serve as assistant coach/director of offense development, while former Lady Flames standout Hess will be the team's new assistant coach/director of player development.
Palmer comes to Lynchburg after spending the last three seasons (2022-23 through 2024-25) as associate head coach for the Arkansas Tech Golden Suns women's basketball program.
"We're thrilled to welcome Brad Palmer to the Liberty Women's Basketball family," stated Sherard. "His experience, energy and passion for developing student-athletes align perfectly with our vision.
"With 15 years of head and assistant coaching experience, Brad brings a winning mindset and a heart for mentorship that will make an immediate impact on and off the court."
Palmer previously served seven seasons (2010-11 through 2016-17) as an assistant coach for Arkansas Tech's men's basketball team. During his time on staff, the Wonder Boys qualified for five NCAA Division II Tournaments and recorded four 20-win seasons.
Between Palmer's pair of coaching stints in Russellville, he spent time in the high school ranks. After one year as an assistant at Russellville High School, Palmer took over as head boys' basketball coach at Atkins High School for three years.
Palmer was named the 2020 Arkansas 3A Boys Basketball Coach of the Year after leading the Red Devils to their best finish in over two decades. That squad captured a district title and advanced to the regional tournament as the No. 1 seed for the first time.
Hess begins her coaching career less than six months after helping the Lady Flames earn their inaugural CUSA title and return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in seven years.
"It's a special moment to welcome Emma Hess to our staff," Sherard noted. "As a player, she represented everything we value at Liberty – integrity, leadership and relentless work ethic.
"Now, Emma brings that same heart and commitment into a new role, and I know she will continue to inspire and impact our program in powerful ways."
A sharpshooter from Beavercreek, Ohio, Hess was a part of 96 victories during her four years at Liberty. She set the program single-season record with 76 three-pointers made as a junior and finished No. 2 in program history for career triples (224) and career three-point field goal percentage (37.0). Hess also wrapped up her time as a Lady Flame ranked No. 13 on the program's all-time scoring list with 1,183 points.
Hess was a two-time All-CUSA performer, earning first team honors in 2023-24 and second team accolades in 2024-25.
Also a standout in the classroom, Hess was a three-time CSC Academic All-District honoree (2023, 2024 and 2025) and made back-to-back CUSA All-Academic Team appearances in 2024 and 2025.
Palmer, a coaching veteran, will serve as assistant coach/director of offense development, while former Lady Flames standout Hess will be the team's new assistant coach/director of player development.
Palmer comes to Lynchburg after spending the last three seasons (2022-23 through 2024-25) as associate head coach for the Arkansas Tech Golden Suns women's basketball program.
"We're thrilled to welcome Brad Palmer to the Liberty Women's Basketball family," stated Sherard. "His experience, energy and passion for developing student-athletes align perfectly with our vision.
"With 15 years of head and assistant coaching experience, Brad brings a winning mindset and a heart for mentorship that will make an immediate impact on and off the court."
Palmer previously served seven seasons (2010-11 through 2016-17) as an assistant coach for Arkansas Tech's men's basketball team. During his time on staff, the Wonder Boys qualified for five NCAA Division II Tournaments and recorded four 20-win seasons.
Between Palmer's pair of coaching stints in Russellville, he spent time in the high school ranks. After one year as an assistant at Russellville High School, Palmer took over as head boys' basketball coach at Atkins High School for three years.
Palmer was named the 2020 Arkansas 3A Boys Basketball Coach of the Year after leading the Red Devils to their best finish in over two decades. That squad captured a district title and advanced to the regional tournament as the No. 1 seed for the first time.
Hess begins her coaching career less than six months after helping the Lady Flames earn their inaugural CUSA title and return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in seven years.
"It's a special moment to welcome Emma Hess to our staff," Sherard noted. "As a player, she represented everything we value at Liberty – integrity, leadership and relentless work ethic.
"Now, Emma brings that same heart and commitment into a new role, and I know she will continue to inspire and impact our program in powerful ways."
A sharpshooter from Beavercreek, Ohio, Hess was a part of 96 victories during her four years at Liberty. She set the program single-season record with 76 three-pointers made as a junior and finished No. 2 in program history for career triples (224) and career three-point field goal percentage (37.0). Hess also wrapped up her time as a Lady Flame ranked No. 13 on the program's all-time scoring list with 1,183 points.
Hess was a two-time All-CUSA performer, earning first team honors in 2023-24 and second team accolades in 2024-25.
Also a standout in the classroom, Hess was a three-time CSC Academic All-District honoree (2023, 2024 and 2025) and made back-to-back CUSA All-Academic Team appearances in 2024 and 2025.
Liberty Introduces Alexis Sherard As The New Head Coach Of Women's Basketball
Tuesday, September 02
Remembering the Legendary Career of Carey Green
Friday, August 29
Ashley (Rininger) Schut: Faithful Through it All
Thursday, April 03
Coach Green, Emmy Stout & Bella Smuda Talk About The Game Against Kentucky
Friday, March 21