April 20, 2006
University of Iowa women’s basketball guard Lindsay Richards has informed Head Coach Lisa Bluder that she will forgo her final year of competition with the Hawkeyes. The decision comes after Richards suffered three ACL injuries to her right knee during her four years.
“It was a very hard decision to make, said Richards. “A lot of things were considered when making my decision, one of which was quality of life down the road. I had lots of support from my family and friends which was a huge asset. I wish the team best of luck, but will still be very involved. As of right now I plan on fulfilling my fifth year at Iowa and being somewhat of an assistant coach.”
“We feel bad that Lindsay was never able to complete her collegiate career in a manner we all dreamed of, but we all think this is the wisest decision for her future life,” said Bluder. “We are sad that her career was not as productive as we all anticipated. She was a fabulous high school player and to go through three ACL tears and repairs in four years has been more than anyone should have to endure.”
Richards suffered her first ACL injury in December 2002 in a home game vs. Denver. She injured the same knee a second time in a Big Ten All-Stars Team practice before leaving for its foreign tour in Australia in June 2004. She suffered her third ACL tear playing a “pick-up” game in June 2005.
The native of Barrington, Illinois, played in eight games as a reserve her freshmen year, 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.
Her last collegiate game action was on March 21, 2004, in an NCAA Tournament second round game at Virginia Tech.
Richards will graduate in May with degrees in psychology and communication studies.
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.
The Hawkeyes return guards Abby Emmert, Jenee Graham, Lindsey Nyenhuis and Kristi Smith, and add incoming freshman guard Zoraa Quoie to the 2006-07 roster.