Over the past four years, Naperville North girls basketball fans have watched senior Anna Richards consistently dominate on the court. Since childhood, she has been incredibly committed to basketball; due to her hard work, she is now fourth in the state of Illinois for most 3-point shots made.
The Huskie girls basketball team’s season ended in February in the regional championships. By the end of the season, Richards had scored 382 points for the Huskies. By taking on the role of a team captain, she helped to lead the NNHS varsity girls team to have an overall 17-15 record, good enough to place second in the DuPage Valley Conference. Richards details how her hard work throughout the season allowed her to obtain such accomplishments.
“I would practice everyday for North, but I would also practice outside of that by just getting shots in and working on my game,” Richards said.
Richards began her basketball career when her parents involved her in a variety of sports when she was a child, but basketball was the only one that stuck. Her dad, Bob Richards, mentored her, teaching her proper form, which has eventually led to her stellar 3-point shot. He encouraged her athletic endeavors and even ran up and down their driveway to catch her rebounds. Seeing her father’s example of a committed attitude, Richards has become a mentor for her fellow teammates. NNHS junior Sam Kelly reflects on how Richards served as a guide to her throughout the two years they have been teammates.
“I think she is one of the best players I have ever had the opportunity to play with, and playing with her has impacted the way I play, because she has helped to give me confidence,” Kelly said.
Throughout this season, Richards has not only been a leader for her teammates, but also a powerful supporter. Richards has helped establish a strong team dynamic by championing others, as well as by being a humble player. Although she is a decorated player, she is quiet and kind to all of her teammates, no matter their skill level. NNHS varsity girls basketball Head Coach Aly Miller shares how Richards remains modest despite her accomplishments..
“As much as she scores and she’s a weapon from the 3-point line you would never know it from her personality because she is not one to gloat,” Miller said.
Richards’ impact will leave a lasting impression on her underclassman teammates. She will continue to showcase her respectful and relentless attitude and basketball talents in college by playing at the Milwaukee School of Engineering.
