Richardson Takes the Helm as Head Coach for Swimming and Diving Team

Jan. 14, 2025 – Senior athletic director at North Central College, Jim Miller ’86, has disclosed the appointment of Patrick Richardson as the principal coach for the men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams.

“We are thrilled to have Coach Richardson join North Central,” expressed Miller. “He brings considerable Division III coaching expertise and has cultivated strong relationships in the region over the previous years.”

“Joining this program has been a long-standing ambition of mine, and I am thankful for this chance,” said Richardson. “Supporting distinctive and talented student-athletes in reaching their athletic and educational achievements inspires me to wake up at 4 a.m.”

Richardson has assumed diverse coaching and aquatics director positions in the Chicagoland region, most recently holding the role of aquatics director at the Wheaton Sport Center. Previously, he directed aquatics at the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago in Naperville.

From 2015 to 2019, Richardson guided the Hollins University (Va.) swimming squad, a Division III program in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference. During his leadership, he steered the women’s team to nine school records and developed an academic monitoring program that received the College Swim Coaches Association of America Scholar All-America team accolade. He also acted as the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) advisor and organized community service initiatives for student-athletes.

Before his tenure at Hollins, Richardson served as the assistant swim coach for William Jewell College (Mo.), a Division II institution, in the 2014-2015 season.

“Coaching revolves around equipping the team and its athletes with knowledge, support, and prospects for success. I prioritize the student aspect of student-athlete, as there is always more to master about the sport, be it as an athlete or a coach. Instructing technical elements guarantees we swim more intelligently and with greater effort. I aspire to cultivate a team of athletes who uplift one another and commit to excellence both inside and out of the pool. This encompasses being prepared to race, supporting teammates, and thriving in academics,” Richardson remarked.

Richardson competed in college swimming at Oakland University (Mich.), a Division I program, where he held the position of captain. He also was the SAAC president and earned a Bachelor of Arts in communication.

“I am eager to foster a robust team culture and shatter records for North Central. We possess the potential to establish an extraordinary program and make a meaningful impact on campus. We are privileged to be part of an athletic department dedicated to competing at the highest levels,” Richardson stated. “I am looking forward to seeing my athletes on the podium and am excited about the waves we will create within the Cardinal community. I am also delighted for my daughter to grow up close to the pool deck, surrounded by inspiring students.”

The Cardinals will return to action in the pool on Saturday, Jan. 25, as North Central hosts Augustana College, Millikin University, and Wheaton College for a meet at Naperville Central High School.

“I would like to express my gratitude to Shawn Kornoelje for providing me the chance to walk on at Oakland, which led to a fulfilling career,” Richardson remarked. “Also, my thanks to Dani Raymond and Maya Schattgen from Hollins University for helping me become a better coach. A special thanks to Louie Richardson for inspiring me daily!”

Download the complimentary North Central Cardinals application, which is available for iOS and Android devices, to receive the latest news, scores, and updates on your preferred North Central teams. Click HERE for further details.