Joining forces with Kim, who is my former Sky Blue teammate, I want to share a little bit about myself with you and explain my background as a former Division I college soccer player, professional athlete, ECNL and Division 1 coach, and how it has all shaped my perspective and deep knowledge of the college recruiting process.
My soccer journey began in New Jersey, where I developed a love for the game at a very young age. As the eldest daughter and a self declared homebody, staying near my roots was always a priority of mine. I always knew I wanted to take my game to the highest level and I was fortunate enough to stay in NJ and lead Rutgers University to multiple Big 10 championship games and our schools first ever College Cup (Final Four) appearance. My time at Rutgers helped shape me both on and off the field, teaching me valuable lessons about discipline, leadership, and what it takes to compete at the highest level of collegiate soccer.
Following my college career, I was drafted into the NWSL by my hometown team, Sky Blue FC (now Gotham FC). Experiencing the game at both the collegiate and professional levels gave me a deeper appreciation for the dedication, preparation, and commitment required to succeed at this game I loved.
In 2019, I unfortunately tore my ACL at the beginning of my third preseason with Sky Blue FC. The timing felt earth shattering as I entered camp that preseason in my best physical shape and my game felt strong and dominant. After a year of rehab, returning and experiencing the uncertainties of what playing the game would look like for me moving forward, I decided to retire in 2020. Being injured gave me a new perspective, sitting on the sidelines and seeing the game unfold in a different way. My passion for the game evolved into a passion for coaching and helping the next generation of players reach their potential. Through my coaching experience at Players Development Academy (PDA) and spending 10 seasons at Rutgers University, I've had the opportunity to work with student-athletes, helping them develop their skills, grow their confidence, and better understand the opportunities available to them at the next level, both progressing from club to college and college to professional.
In the club space at PDA, I always felt that my personal recruiting experience as a former player gave me a fresh and relatable perspective to help my players embark on their journeys to finding the perfect fit for them. The beauty of the recruiting process is no two players will experience the same race and the ebbs and flows are where players can really find out a lot about themselves, what they want out of their college experience and the things that are most important to them in deciding where they want to spend their 4 (and now potentially 5) years of college.
Having experienced the college soccer journey firsthand as a player and as a coach, I am no stranger to how overwhelming the entire process can feel for both players and parents. There are countless questions to answer, decisions to make, and expectations and comparisons to navigate. It's easy to get caught up in the pressure of finding a college program, but the process should be about much more than just earning a roster spot.
It's about finding the right fit; a school where you can grow as a player, succeed academically, and thrive personally. Ultimately, my goal is to share and offer insight into what college coaches look for in prospective student-athletes, and help players feel prepared for the opportunities ahead. Being able to talk through the stressors of what this process can trigger helps keep players level headed and refocuses them to the task at hand.
Becoming a mom, I feel it has only enriched what I already feel proficient at when it comes to the recruiting process. I hope as a parent/guardian, reading this you understand your importance in your child’s journey; to be a compass for them, a safe space, the ones they can turn to for support when the waters feel rough. Collaborating with your guidance during an emotional time, I feel we can make the recruiting process feel less daunting and much more enjoyable and rewarding.
I'm excited to share my experiences and help answer the questions that you may have. Whether you're just beginning to explore college soccer or are already deep into the recruiting journey, I'm glad you're here and I want to be there to help you along the way!
-Madison Richards (Tiernan)
If you would like to learn more and need help with the college soccer recruiting process, please contact us!
