Adrienne Richardson signs with Florida State

Tartan senior will play soccer for Seminoles

The first Wednesday in February, today known as National Signing Day, is quite a milestone for student athletes.

For some it’s a rite of passage. For others it is a reward for the hard work and dedication culminating in a dream fulfilled with opportunity. Student athletes across the country sign National Letters of Intent with different colleges, receiving full scholarships to attend and participate in the sport for which he/she is being recruited.

For senior Adrienne Richardson, the dedication and hard work was well worth it. The Tartan senior, who quietly developed into one of the top girls’ soccer players in the country, signed a national letter of intent with Florida State University (FSU) last Wednesday as friends and family looked on.

“It’s a bit surreal to say the least,” Chance Richardson said, reacting to his daughter’s big day. “However, it’s just another milestone Adrienne has reached in her journey.”

And what a journey it has been.

Adrienne Richardson, a forward who did not play for her schools’ soccer team, got her start with Minnesota Thunder Academy, one of the top club teams in the country.

Last year she was selected to play with the U17 Women’s National Team (WNT) World Cup, solidifying her presence among the nation’s best.

“We’re extremely thankful she has shown her value to not only the state of Minnesota, but to the world with playing in the U17 WNT World Cup,” Chance Richardson said, expressing how he and wife Tenaye Richardson felt about their daughter’s accomplishments while acknowledging one of the factors that contributed to choosing Florida State University. “They [FSU] ultimately want to win championships and produce professional athletes.”

Though this was a special day for Adrienne Richardson and student athletes across the country, her father points out that this is just the beginning of a new journey and there is more to accomplish.

“Please understand, we’re elated because it’s a huge accomplishment, but it’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon, right?” he said. “So we celebrate as family today and it’s back to work on her goals this evening.”

After signing her letter of intent, Adrienne Richardson had to rush off to practice before she could be interviewed — a true sign that there is still more to accomplish.

“We want Adrienne to get the most out of her education and athletic career,” Chance Richardson said when asked what he and his wife wished for their daughter five years from now. “Hopefully she’ll truly live her life and make the most out of her travels and meet incredible people,” he added while finishing with a final thought. “The world has a great deal to offer when you put God first, maintain an open mind, and surround yourself with positive influences.”

Mitchell Palmer McDonald welcomes reader responses to mmcdonald@spokesman-recorder.com.