July 6, 2005
University of Iowa Head Women’s Basketball Coach Lisa Bluder announced Wednesday that red-shirt junior point guard Lindsay Richards sustained her third anterior cruciate ligament injury in as many years to her right knee. Richards was expected to return to the Hawkeyes’ starting line-up after red-shirting last season.
Richards suffered the injury two weeks ago during a “pick-up” game in North Carolina. Richards was in Pinehurst, North Carolina, the last six weeks serving as an intern at the U.S. Open Men’s Golf Tournament.
“It’s really hard to put into words my range of emotions at this time,” explained a disappointed Richards. “This is another unfortunate event during my collegiate career, but I plan to keep a positive attitude. I will be meeting with my doctors later this week to discuss my rehabilitation options.”
“We are just devastated for Lindsay,” said Bluder. “Nobody should have to go through an ACL injury three times. She worked so hard on coming back after each of her prior surgeries. I feel bad for Lindsay and also the loss that it creates for our team. We were counting on having a point guard with her experience this upcoming season, but this injury will force us to change our plans.”
Richards did not compete last season after suffering her second ACL injury during a practice with the Big Ten All-Stars in June 2004. After a successful surgery, she made a full recovery and returned to the team in January 2005, but decided to red-shirt. A healthy Richards practiced with the team the final three months of the season.
The native of Barrington, Illinois, tore her ACL for the first time in a home game against Denver in 2002. Before injuring her knee as a freshman, she played in eight games as a reserve, averaging 4.5 ppg, 1.6 rpg and dishing out 29 assists.
Richards played one full season with the Hawkeyes during her sophomore year in 2003-04. She started all 29 games for an Iowa team that finished with a 16-13 record, tied for fourth in the Big Ten and advanced to the NCAA Tournament. Richards ranked fifth on the team in scoring (5.4 ppg) and free throw percentage (39-51, .765), second in assists (85) and fourth in steals (27). Her 2.93 assists average ranked 11th in the Big Ten. Richards was also an academic all-Big Ten selection as a sophomore.
Richards’ injury plagued collegiate career was preceded by a stellar prep career. Richards was a two-time Nike all-American and played in the 2002 McDonald’s All-American game.
Other point guards on the 2004-05 Hawkeye roster include sophomore Abby Emmert and freshman Kristi Smith. Senior Crystal Smith also has experience directing the Iowa offense.