Kirsten Richter returns to the sidelines for her 10th season as head coach in 2020-21 after spending the 2019-20 year out of the gym, taking on a temporary assignment executing special projects related to athletics. In addition to her role as head coach, Richter also serves as the department’s Senior Woman Administrator (SWA). As SWA, she contributes to department-wide leadership and problem-solving, has sport oversight responsibilities, and advises the Student-Athlete Leadership Council.
Richter is also active outside of the athletic department, serving as a Harwood Leadership Seminar facilitator, chair of the Student Affairs Leadership Development Working Group, and as a Gallup Strengths Coach.
On the court, Richter has twice guided the Diplomats to the Centennial Conference Semifinals in her time at the helm. She helped Alexa Barbush '13 become just the third player in program history to receive multiple All-America honors, as Barbush brought home the accolade in both 2011-12 and 2012-13. She has coached nine All-CC selections throughout her tenure, including one CC Player of the Year (Alex Barbush/2011-12).
Richter was hired in 2010 as the 10th head coach in Franklin & Marshall's history. A 2003 graduate of F&M, Richter spent three seasons as an assistant coach with the Diplomats following her graduation before joining the Randolph-Macon College staff.
During her four years as an assistant coach at Randolph-Macon, Richter concentrated on recruiting, scouting, and player development. Richter was instrumental in helping Randolph-Macon to 89 wins during her time in Ashland, which included a 67-13 mark against ODAC foes. Richter helped the Yellow Jackets to a pair of ODAC Championships (2007 and 2009) and appearances in the NCAA Tournament in each of those seasons.
Richter earned her B.A. in government with a minor in public policy from F&M in 2003. She went on to receive her M.Ed. in sports management from Millersville University in 2006. For her performance in the classroom, Richter was the recipient of the Sports Management Graduate Faculty Award for academic excellence. Richter is an active member of the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA).
$website.include("Richter_record")
Updated 5/8/20 | BW
