Women's College Soccer

Rider Assistant Coach Richardson Steps Down

LAWRENCEVILLE?Keith Richardson, an assistant coach for the Rider University women's soccer team since 2000, is stepping down from his position, Rider head coach Kevin Long announced today.

“It has been a great seven years being a part of the women's soccer program at Rider,” Richardson said. “Right now, I have the opportunity to expand my career professionally with the University.”

A 1999 Rider graduate, Richardson will remain at Rider as the Associate Director of Major Gifts.

“Keith has been a source of great insight as a coach, working primarily with the goalkeepers,” Long said. “In each year that I have worked with him, he has continued to push those around him to be the best they can be - not just as athletes or coaches, but as positive members of the Rider Community.”

“I am very grateful for the opportunity Kevin has given me to assist with the program the past four years,” Richardson said. “I am confident that the program is moving in the right direction and I look for great things in the future from the team in the seasons to come.”

As a player, Richardson enjoyed a stellar soccer career at Rider, leading the Broncs to a pair of NCAA tournaments in 1997 and 1998. Richardson was the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Goalkeeper of the Year as a sophomore in 1997, leading Rider to its first MAAC Championship. That year, Richardson compiled a Rider-record seven shutouts and owned a goals against average of 0.78 which was tops in the Mid-Atlantic Region and ninth best in the nation.

As a junior, Richardson again led Rider to a MAAC title and completed his three-year Rider career with 29 victories.

Richardson graduated second all-time at Rider in career victories and career shutouts (14).

Richardson earned All-East Region and All-New Jersey honors at Lawrence High School and went on to the University of Connecticut before coming to Rider.

“It will be strange not seeing him on the sidelines each day, but both the staff and players know that he is just a phone call away and he will forever be a part of our program,” Long added.

-RU-