Richards Wows National Audience

 

In just three short seasons on American soil, former San Jacinto College star Dane Richards has made quite a name for himself on the collegiate soccer scene.

After a short adjustment period at Clemson University last fall, Richards finished as strong as any player in the country. Competing in perhaps the nation’s toughest overall conference for soccer—the Atlantic Coast Conference—Richards helped the Tigers reach some lofty heights.

Putting together a late-season surge, Richards scored 12 goals and dished out eight assists to lead Clemson in scoring. As the matches gained importance, Richards’ play elevated. He eventually helped Clemson make the 2005 College Cup, the NCAA Final Four for men’s soccer. Although Clemson lost its semifinal match 2-1 to New Mexico, Richards scored the team’s lone goal. After the tournament, Richards was named to the 2005 College Cup alltournament team. In the off-season, Richards played for the Jamaican Full National Team, which competed against the U.S. squad in April.

Richards, who played for the Coyotes during the 2003 and 2004 seasons, established school records for goals in a season (25) and career goals (45) while at South. As a sophomore in 2004, Richards guided the Coyotes to a third-place finish at the National Junior College Athletic Association national tournament.

Along the way, he picked up some hefty individual honors. Following the 2004 season, Richards was honored as the National Soccer Coaches Association of America Player of the Year. He was also a NSCAA and NJCAA firstteam all-American selection.

“I don’t think there’s any doubt Dane Richards is one of the finest players I have ever coached,” San Jacinto College South soccer coach Dave Santesteban said. “Dane has unbelievable individual skills but also the ability to make his team better. He is definitely a big reason why we advanced to the national tournament during my first season.”

Richards, a native of Montego Bay, Jamaica, is majoring in business at Clemson University.