Junior Kristen Richardson of the Capital Crusader women’s basketball team has been named the OAC Scholar Athlete of the Month.
In order to be recognized for the award, the student athlete must be of at least sophomore standing, participating in an in-season sport, and maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0.
Richardson, who hails from Oxford, Ohio, has prospered both on the hardwood and in the classroom during her time at Capital. The Talawanda High School product is the leading scorer for the Crusaders, averaging 13.5 points per contest. She also leads the Crusaders is both assists (2.6 apg) and steals (2.4 spg) while ranking fourth in rebounding (4.1 rpg).
“It is an honor to receive this award, but it’s more of a reflection of my team rather than just myself,” Richardson said. “The support I’ve gained from my coaches and teammates has been great. All of our success we look at from a team standpoint.”
Richardson, an organizational communication major with a 3.97 cumulative GPA, welcomes the challenge of trying to excel as a basketball player as well as a scholar.
“It all comes down to being able to balance time,” Richardson said. “I’ve always wanted to do my best at whatever I’ve been involved in. In college, you only have four years, so you have to make the most of all of your opportunities.”
Family has also been a major influence in Richardson’s life.
“My Mom and Dad have always supported everything I’ve wanted to do,” Richardson said. “I was also influenced by my brother Jake, who played football for Miami University. He was a great role model for me, and I hope to have the same influence on my younger siblings.”
Capital Head Coach Dixie Jeffers also credits some of Richardson’s success to her family life.
“She grew up the second oldest of nine siblings. Growing up in a big family myself, I know first-hand how much responsibility is on the older siblings to help out. They have a huge role in the family in terms of leading by example and helping the parents. I think that helped her mature into the leader that she is.”
Jeffers also praises Richardson for the impact she has made on the team.
“Kristen is the epitome of what a student athlete should be. She goes head-first into whatever she does and always does it with a positive attitude. She does everything with great passion and is a great example for the other players to follow,” Jeffers said.
Richardson wants to utilize her degree by working in public relations in athletics.
“Organizing community service events for the athletes would be a dream to do,” Richardson said.
Jeffers added, “Kristen will be extremely successful at whatever she decides to do in the future.”
Before she embarks on her future, however, Richardson still has business to take care of at Capital.
“My short-term goals are to continue to do as well as I can in school and help this team win the OAC championship. This has been a great experience so far and I’m excited for the time I have left.”