May 8, 2007
COLLEGE PARK, Md. -
Maryland women's basketball head coach Brenda Frese has announced that Diane Richardson has been hired as an assistant coach. Richardson brings with her an extensive background, which included success at the high school and collegiate level.
Richardson takes over the position for Joanna Bernabei, who was a member of the coaching staff for four years under Frese. Richardson will assist with on-court player development, game management, opponent scouting and recruiting.
"Were ecstatic to add someone of Diane's caliber to our basketball family. She is held in very high regard in the area and her reputation extends across the country after having built a national contender at Riverdale Baptist and coaching at American," said Frese. "She is going to be an incredible addition to our program."
"I am very excited and thankful to Brenda to be given the opportunity to coach at Maryland. As a life-long resident of this area, it has been a dream and a goal of mine for a long time," said Richardson. "I have had the privilege of working with many talented players at the high school and collegiate levels, I am looking forward to coaching some of the best college players in the country at Maryland."
A native of the Washington, D.C., metro area, Richardson has logged 15 years of coaching experience, including one year at the collegiate level. In her only season as an assistant coach at American University last year, she helped the Eagles reach the finals of the Patriot League Championship.
Prior to joining the Eagles' staff, she had been head coach at Riverdale Baptist in Riverdale, Md., for five seasons, amassing a 142-20 record during her tenure. She was named the Black Coaches Association National Coach of the Year in 2005 after leading the Crusaders to a No. 2 national ranking by the USA Today. In 2006, she guided Riverdale to the National Association of Christian Athletes national title, en route to garnering Regional Coach of the Year honors by the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA). Her 2003 and 2004 teams won the Association of Christian Schools International national crown and were runners up in 2002.
Several of Richardson's players at Riverdale have been named All-Americans by Parade and McDonald's, while over 20 have earned Division I scholarships. She has been involved with numerous AAU teams and tournaments, and served as head coach of the adidas All-American Camp and adidas All-American All-Star game.
Richardson was the Executive Director and coach of the Beltway Lady Cougars AAU team in Lanham, Md., from 1991-2000. The Lady Cougars were voted the No. 1 girls basketball program in the nation and reached the AAU National Elite Eight four times.
Earning her Master's Degree in management from Central Michigan University in 1984, Richardson has an extensive background in management, which dates back to that year. She was named the National Marketing Director of the Year honors three-straight years from 1990-1992 and founded RCI Financial in Lanham, Md., in 1984 serving as president and C.E.O of the company.
Richardson is a 1980 graduate of Frostburg State University where she lettered in basketball and track and field. In basketball, she was the NCAA's regional leader in field goal percentage and was an NCAA Regional Champion in the 400 meter. Richardson currently resides in Howard County with her husband, Larry. The couple has three children - Dana, Larry II and Michael.
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