NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – Debbie Richardson, Atlantic 10 Senior Associate Commissioner for the past 15 years, has announced that she will retire at the end of the 2022-23 academic year. Richardson will conclude a storied, distinguished career that includes head and assistant women’s basketball and softball coaching stints, multiple campus administrative posts.
Richardson currently oversees women’s basketball and A-10 internal operations including human resources, budgeting, and IT support. As the league’s Senior Woman Administrator (SWA), she is the liaison and provides direct support to each campus SWA on all 15 A-10 institutions.
Richardson was instrumental in securing neutral site arenas for the A-10 Women’s basketball Championship, over the last 15 years, including Chase Fieldhouse in Wilmington, Del. the current championship venue. The A-10 is one of eight Division I conferences hosting their women’s championship at a neutral site, an important equity initiative for all conferences. Previously Richardson was responsible for overseeing A-10 Olympic sport championship events as well as initiating the A-10 internship program focused on training a diverse group of up-and-coming athletic administrators at the league office.
“Debbie is, and continues to be an exceptional administrator, coach, professional and a friend. Her career has touched upon almost every aspect of athletic administration accentuated by her dedication to student-athletes and coaches. From her playing days at UNC to her upcoming retirement Debbie has been the ultimate team player, dedicated to the values of integrity and consensus building while leading with strength,” stated A-10 Commissioner Bernadette V. McGlade. “The A-10, and I, owe a debt of gratitude to “Coach Rich” and congratulate her on a fabulous career. Debbie has inspired, contributed much and positively impacted many in this profession, her community, and the national association.”
Richardson was the recipient of the 2005 National Women's Basketball Coaches Association's (WBCA) Administrator of the Year Award for her excellence in athletics administration and dedicated focus on NCAA Division I women’s basketball development.
“On behalf of my colleagues and the entire conference membership, we offer our gratitude and appreciation for Debbie’s service to the Atlantic 10,” said Neil Sullivan, Dayton Vice President and Chair of the A-10 Athletic Directors. “She has been the consummate professional throughout her 15 years of service, offering her support to hundreds of coaches and thousands of student-athletes. We will miss her personally and professionally, and wish her the very best in her well-deserved retirement. “
Most recently Richardson completed a six-year term on the prestigious NCAA Division I women’s basketball selection committee. During her career, she has also served on numerous Division I NCAA Committees, including the Management Council, the Championship/Competition Cabinet and the Administrative Committee where she chaired a subcommittee. She was also the NCAA Division I Sports Committee Liaison for women's soccer.
“Debbie Richardson has served with passion and enthusiasm throughout her career in college athletics and the Atlantic 10 Conference. She worked tirelessly to enhance A-10 Championships that positively impacted the student-athlete experience. Debbie led the conference SWA group and was an advocate for supporting the importance of women in leadership roles,” said Rhode Island Associate Athletic Director Gina Sperry, who serves as Chair of the A-10 SWAs. “Those who had the pleasure of working with Debbie will miss her genuine friendship and her ability to tell a funny story that would bring smiles and laughter. Congratulations on a job well done and best wishes in your retirement adventures.”
Richardson came to the Atlantic 10 after spending 10 years as the Senior Associate Athletics Director at Campbell University, where she oversaw sport management and daily internal operation of the athletics department's 20 varsity programs, including budget management, policy development and personnel. Moreover, Richardson played an instrumental role in Campbell successfully hosting 11 Atlantic Sun championships.
Richardson entered the coaching ranks in 1979 as an assistant women's basketball coach at North Carolina. She joined the staff at Georgia Tech in 1981 and was responsible for scouting and game-day management duties, while also serving as an academic liaison for the Lady Jackets. Richardson was named the head coach at East Tennessee State in 1986 and held the position until 1994, when she returned to Georgia Tech as an assistant coach.
The 1993 Southern Conference Women's Basketball Coach of the Year, Richardson's ETSU teams succeeded on both the court and in the classroom. During her tenure, Richardson's teams compiled a 97 percent graduation rate. In addition to her head coaching duties at East Tennessee State, she served as the athletics department's Senior Woman Administrator.
A 1979 graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a bachelor's of science in psychology and physical education, Richardson earned three varsity letters and served as team captain of the women's basketball team in 1978-79. A native of Sparta, N.C., Richardson has been active in the Women's Basketball Coaches Association as well as community service organizations such as the Atlanta Women's Network, American Cancer Society, Boys and Girls Clubs and the Girl Scouts.