PORTLAND, Maine— Associate Dean of Athletics and Alumni Affairs Matt Richards was inducted into the prestigious United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) Hall of Fame on Sunday, June 5 as part of a ceremony that began the Association’s annual convention, this year at the Holiday Inn by the Bay.
Following a two-year hiatus from hosting the in-person event, USCAA Chief Operating Officer BJ Bertges commented, “The National Convention is one of my favorite events each year and to be able to honor our former student-athletes, coaches, and meritorious contributors is very special. This ceremony not only recognizes and celebrates our inductees but serves as a reminder of where the Association has grown from and those who have made significant contributions along the way.”
“In many ways, it serves as our motivation to continue to provide opportunities for our members and student-athletes to succeed at the highest level.”
The announcement of achievement made of Richards was described as follows:
Starting in 2003, current Southern Maine Community College, Athletic Director and Head Men's Basketball Coach Matt Richards has been a key contributor to the success of his university and the enhancement of the USCAA. During his tenure, SMCC has won 32 conference championships and has made 31 United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) National Tournament appearances, grabbing regional and national recognition. Richards added Women's Soccer and Women's Volleyball to SMCC's sports offerings, expanded the Baseball and Softball seasons to fall and spring, and has overseen the renovation of the college's athletic facilities to meet the needs of the growing program. In July of 2016, Richards was appointed Associate Dean of Students to add duties within Student Residential Life and Activities. In addition to his work on campus, Richards has also been an active executive board member of the USCAA. This national organization provides regional and national post-season and award opportunities for small colleges. He joined the USCAA Board of Directors in June of 2006 and, since that time, has served in various capacities, including Vice President of Marketing, Eligibility Chair, and President of the Board of Directors. Richards has since fulfilled his term as President of the USCAA but continues to serve on the Board of Directors and as Interim Eligibility/Compliance Coordinator. In 2009, Richards received the prestigious Commissioner's Award for his outstanding service and dedication to the USCAA and most recently earned recognition as the association's Athletic Director of the Year (2021) for the second time in his career. Richards is currently the President of the YSCC, in which SMCC is a member institution. A three-time YSCC Coach of the Year (2004, 2007, and 2015), coaching nine student-athletes to 10 All-American selections, capturing three YSCC titles, and leading his teams to 10 USCAA National Tournament appearances, including back-to-back trips to the Final Four in 2007 and 2008. Richards recently led his team to the 2022 USCAA Men's National Championship.
Richards joined six others and three former Yankee Small College Conference (YSCC) student-athletes in this honor to include Patrick Dempsey (CMCC Men’s Basketball), Susie French (CMCC Women’s Basketball), and Heather Searles (NHTI Women’s Cross Country).
The Hall of Fame now includes 29 members.
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