Richardson enters her first year as head coach for the volleyball program.
With more than 11 years of collegiate coaching experience, including head coaching tenures at Western Illinois University and Southwest Baptist University, Richardson comes to MSSU from 417 Juniors Volleyball Club, the largest elite club in Southwest Missouri, where she served as the Club Director. Richardson expanded the club to 37 teams, making it one of the most competitive clubs in the region. Her teams consistently competed at the highest levels, earning top finishes, including a third-place finish in the USAV National Division Nationals in 2024 and a fifth-place finish in the 17 Premier AAU Nationals in 2023.
In addition to her role at 417 Juniors, Richardson has served as the Program Coordinator for Sport Management at Evangel University since 2018, where she was responsible for curriculum development, student advising, and overseeing the coaching minor.
Prior to her time at Evangel, Richardson was the head volleyball coach at Western Illinois University (2015-2018), guiding the Leathernecks to their most wins since 2013. Before that, she served as the first assistant and recruiting coordinator at the University of Texas at Arlington (2014-2015), working closely with setters and middle blockers while helping shape a competitive program.
Richardson's collegiate coaching career began with an extensive tenure at Southwest Baptist University (2007-2014). After taking over as head coach in 2007, she led SBU to its first winning season in two decades during the 2013 campaign.
A former collegiate athlete herself, Richardson holds a bachelor's degree in physical education from Evangel University and a master's degree in athletic administration and activity from Southwest Baptist University. She has been recognized for her contributions to the sport, earning honors such as the Wynn Award from the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, induction into the Evangel University Athletics Hall of Fame, and the Judy Sweet Spirit Award from the NCAA Women's Coaches Academy.
Richardson and her husband, Robb, currently resides in Springfield, Missouri, with their two children, Rylan and Hartley.
