Emma Richards is a former Division III lacrosse player at Wesleyan University. Over her 4 years at Wesleyan, the Cardinals made 3 NCAA appearances featuring a Sweet 16 run in 2018 and a Final 4 run in 2019. She was also apart of two Little 3 championships, arguably one of the most competitive D3 rivalries between three NESCAC powerhouses Amherst, Williams, and Wesleyan. Throughout her career, Richards tallied 31 goals and 8 assists despite being sidelined for the majority of two seasons due to an injury.
When and how should an athlete reach out to a coach if they want to start the process early?
It never hurts to reach out to a coach…It's always to get your name out there and let schools know you're interested.
Do you mind talking about your experience de-committing from a DI school and why you chose to play Division III lacrosse?
My sophomore year, the University of Denver offered me a scholarship and verbal commitment. My sophomore-year self thought that was the best thing to ever happen to me. I didn't take into account that college isn't just about playing a sport.
What are some dos and don'ts of a highlight video?
I made one later in the process after I de-committed. I do think highlight videos can be useful, but from what I have heard from talking to different coaches and athletes … if you have the best highlight video known to man, there is still a chance that [a college] won't take you.
What was the most difficult transition you found when you arrived at Wesleyan and how were you able to adjust to those differences?
Even though I have been playing a sport since third grade, when you get to college it is a lot more demanding.
When hosting a recruit on an official visit, what do the players look for in that recruit? Can you offer some dos and don'ts for recruits going on these visits?
I think ultimately, it is very important that you are authentic. Sometimes, there are going to be visits where you don't jive as much with the other teammates that you meet, or even your host.
