Head coach Brenda Frese completed her coaching staff with the hiring of Diane Richardson, a Maryland/Washington, D.C., area native, bringing with her a history of success at the high school level and in the private sector as a businesswoman.
"Diane is an incredible, inspirational success story," said Frese. "Everything about her exudes she is a winner.She is one of the most well-known and respected coaches in the area.Her energy and enthusiasm for the game is contagious. She excels on and off the court and, because of that, she's contributed to this program from the day she was hired."
Richardson took over for former assistant coach Joanna Bernabei, who had been a member of the staff for four years under Frese. Richardson will assist with on-court player development, game management, opponent scouting and recruiting.
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.
Most of Richardson's success on the coaching sidelines came as head coach of Riverdale Baptist High School in Riverdale, Md., prior to joining the Eagles' staff. In her five seasons from 1999-2005, she amassed a 142-20 record and was selected the 2005 Black Coaches Association National Coach of the Year after leading the Crusaders to a No. 2 national ranking by USA Today.
Before making the jump to the collegiate ranks, Richardson guided Riverdale to the National Association of Christian Athletes national title in 2006, 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.
Over 20 of Richardson's players earned Division I scholarships, with three garnering All-American honors by Parade Magazine and McDonald's including Duke's Wanisha Smith. Richardson was named head coach of the USA Red Team which won a bronze medal at the 2005 Youth Development Festival and also had three players selected to play in the 2003, 2004 and 2005 Festivals. 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 and finance from Central Michigan University in 1984, Richardson has an extensive background in business management. She earned 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 field goal percentage leader in 1976 as a freshman and was the 1979 NCAA Regional Champion in the 200 and 400 meter races, earning a spot as a qualifier on the 1980 U.S. Olympic team, which did not compete in the games. She attended Largo High School in nearby Largo, Md., where she was also a basketball and track athlete. She was a state champion in 1975 and 1976 in five sprinting events.
Richardson currently resides in Ellicott City, Md., with her husband, Larry. The couple has three children - Dana, Larry II and Michael.
Richardson's Coaching Credentials
• Assistant Coach, Maryland (July 2007-present)
• Assistant Coach, American (April 2006-July 2007)
• Head Coach, Riverdale Baptist H.S. (2000-06)
The Personal Side of Diane Richardson
Educational Background:
• Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Sociology (Frostburg State University, 1980)
• Master's Degree in Management and Finance (Central Michigan University, 1984)
Athletic Background:
• Three seasons as a varsity basketball player and track & field athlete at Frostburg State University.
• NCAA Regional field goal percentage leader (1976)
• NCAA Regional Champion in the 200 and 400 meters (1979)
High School:
• Largo (Largo, Md.)
• Four varsity letters in basketball, volleyball and track
Family:
• Married to Larry Richardson
• One daughter Dana (22), two sons Larry II (Donnie) (17) and Michael (9)
• Daughter of Josie Martin and James Carter (deceased)
• Stepdaughter of Charles Martin (deceased)
• One brother: James Carter (50)
• Two sisters: Sandra Pack (42), Tracey Proctor (36)
