Gatorade announced a Utahn as the High School Volleyball National Player of the Year for the second time in the award's history on last week.

Kristin Richards, a senior at Timpanogos High School and four-time all-state volleyball player, received recognition during a press assembly at the high school.

Gatorade, in partnership with Scholastic Coach and Athletic Director magazine presented the award, which recognizes athletic achievement and overall character.

"The attention was overwhelming," Richards said. "I was literally speechless.

Timpanogos Principal, Brad Kendall, along with Gatorade Representatives, the mayor of Orem city and local officials were present to honor Richards.

Angie Roberts, Timpanogos volleyball coach, said Richards received some good recognition with many newspapers and news stations attending the assembly.

Richards couldn't help getting emotional when the whole auditorium, including her peers, gave her a standing ovation, she said.

After the presentation of the award, Richards said a few words thanking her family, friends, coaches and teammates and expressed her deep gratitude for this honor.

When Richards was six years old, she began playing volleyball. Her first coaches were her parents - BYU alumni and former BYU volleyball athletes.

"I grew up with the sport," Richards said. "I have been in gyms since I was born."

Richards said her parents first instilled in her knowledge of the sport, but it is one of her passions now.

"I had to choose between soccer and volleyball when I was younger and I decided volleyball was the place for me," she said. "Volleyball has definitely taken care of me."

Richards knew exactly what she wanted from the beginning, Roberts said. When she was in eighth grade, Richards would come and watch the high school team practice.

"Kristin can play any position and play well," Roberts said. "She is an all-around player.

Even though the high-school level of play may be easy for her, Richards still works hard and pushes herself every day, she said.

"I just took something I loved and worked hard at it," Richards said.

Kendall described Richards as hard working, well liked, friendly, humble and unassuming.

"She is about as good a person as you could find," he said.

In addition to her busy volleyball schedule, Richards finds time for school and extracurricular activities. She maintains a 3.98 GPA, participates in student council and volunteers at a crisis center.

Richards will follow in Logan Tom's footsteps, Utah's previous recipient of this award, and play for Stanford University next year.

Richards said she debated between BYU and Stanford for a while, but feels good about her decision.

Along with her goal to play in the Olympics, Richards wants to get married and have a family.



Copyright Brigham Young University 6 Feb 2003