Early Years and Growth
Liberty University was founded by Jerry Falwell in 1971, and the athletics program began shortly after as the university expanded. The program started small but grew significantly throughout the 1970s and 1980s as Liberty developed its academic and athletic reputation. The university invested heavily in facilities and recruitment to build competitive teams across various sports.
Division I Transition
Liberty University made the transition to NCAA Division I athletics, which is the highest level of college sports in the United States. This transition represented a major step for the university and required increased funding, better facilities, and higher-caliber athletes. The move positioned Liberty to compete against larger and more established universities.
Football Program Success
The Liberty University football program became the most prominent part of the athletics department. The team competed in the FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision) level and has participated in bowl games. The football program generated significant attention and revenue for the university compared to other sports.
Conference Affiliations
Liberty University athletics has changed conference memberships over time. The program has been independent and has joined various conferences as the landscape of college sports shifted. Recent years saw Liberty join Conference USA (CUSA), though conference affiliations continue to evolve in college athletics.
Current Status
Today, Liberty University supports a wide range of varsity sports including football, basketball, baseball, soccer, volleyball, and many others. The athletics program is a significant part of the university's identity and continues to recruit students and compete at high levels across multiple sports. 
Answer