Shereesha Richards

Classroom

Shereesha Richards, who is scheduled to graduate on time in the Spring of 2016, will be the first in her family to graduate from an American university. She currently is a sociology major with a minor in criminal justice.  This past semester, she earned a 3.33 GPA while finishing up the 2014-15 season, her All-American year.

Character

Before coming to UAlbany, Richards came to the United States from Jamaica, enrolling at Atlantic Christian in her sophomore year in New Jersey to earn an education. Before she enrolled at Atlantic Christian, Richards had never played basketball; she since became the school’s first-ever female to earn a Division I scholarship. She still keeps in close contact with her host family in New Jersey. On the court, she was elected to be a team captain as a sophomore and will hold that title for the third-straight season in 2015-16. She is one of the strongest role models at the university, routinely representing the team and the athletics department during events.

Community

Richards is a very active member of her community with and away from the team. Back in New Jersey, she volunteers for basketball camps for younger kids and has spoken to a number of schools about her experiences.  She participates in numerous activities with the team, including walks for charity, visits to local hospitals and schools, and the Albany Ronald McDonald House, many event which occur during the season amid classes and games.

Competition

Richards is the top women’s basketball player in UAlbany history, becoming the program’s first-ever Division I All-American (AP) in the 2014-15 season. The two-time America East Player of the Year, two-time America East First Team member and 2014-15 America East Co-Defensive Player of the Year is UAlbany’s all-time scoring leader with 1,668 points, averaging 17.2 points a game in her career. At the beginning of her senior season, she was ranked third among active players in the NCAA with a 60.4% all-time field goal percentage. She has led UAlbany to three America East Tournament and regular season titles, three NCAA Tournament appearances and a combined record of 53-3 against conference competition. Before the 2014-15 season, Richards was named to the Naismith Trophy Women’s 50 Watch List, designating her as one of the top players in the country.