Wednesday, April 26, 2017
by Central Washington Athletic Communications

ELLENSBURG, Wash. — Central Washington University's Director of Athletics Dennis Francois has announced the appointment of Randi Richardson as the head coach for the 2017-18 season. 
 
"I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity," Richardson said.  "I love this program and I love CWU.   I look forward to continuing to build on the recent success of the program.  I'd like to thank Dennis Francois and President Gaudino for their faith in me.  I couldn't be stepping into a better situation.  Jeff built a great foundation and I'm ready to help take it to the next level."
 
For the past two seasons Richardson has served as the assistant coach under Jeff Harada, who accepted the head coach position at Division I Cal State Fullerton. 
 
"We are delighted to have Randi accept our offer to lead the Wildcat women's basketball program," Francois said.  "We evaluated numerous options with regard to filling the position and came to the conclusion that Randi is the best choice for the immediate future of our program.  Over the past two years we have witnessed the positive impact Randi has had on many facets of our program."
 
Prior to Central, Richardson served as an assistant coach to Julie Heisey at Seattle Pacific University, where she helped guide the Falcons to a 40-16 record over two years and an NCAA Regional Round of 32 appearance in year two.  
 
"Her passion and energy for the game are obvious," Francois added.  "But more importantly, her desire to make a positive impact on the lives of our student-athletes is at the forefront of her philosophy.  Randi provides continuity and consistency within a program that has made tremendous strides the past three year."
 
A highly recruited point guard out of Arlington High School, Richardson first signed with Division I San Francisco, but transferred to the University of Wyoming after one year.  At Wyoming, Richardson was a three-year starter and helped the Cowboys to a pair of Sweet 16 finishes in the Women's NIT. 
 
After graduating with a degree in kinesiology and health promotion, she returned to her high school alma mater for two seasons under Head Coach Joe Marsh. Richardson helped guide the Eagles to the state finals and a 22-5 record.
 
The Wildcats finished the 2016-17 campaign with a 15-15 record and a mark of 10-11 in Great Northwest Athletic Conference play.  They qualified for the GNAC Tournament, and defeated Simon Fraser University in the opening round, for the team's first GNAC tournament win.  The Wildcats are returning six seniors, and 14 players, to the 2017-18 roster.