Richardson Named Softball Coach

Lincoln Trail College has named Eva Richardson as head softball coach and special projects director. Richardson, a former collegiate All-American and assistant coach for the Statesmen, steps into the leadership role with enthusiasm and a vision to elevate the program.

"I'm through the roof excited," said Richardson. "At 22-years-old, to have the opportunity to be a head coach is incredible. I'm extremely grateful and ready to prove myself. I can't wait to get started."

Richardson joined the Lady Statesmen in 2025 as an assistant coach, where she quickly connected with the team and established a strong foundation for her new role. "I was able to form a lot of connections with the girls," she said. "That mutual respect we built in the fall will help us grow and create memories to last a lifetime."

A graduate of Casey-Westfield High School, Richardson was a two-time NJCAA All-American at Lake Land College before transferring to Weber State University in Utah, where she caught for two seasons. At Weber State, she helped lead the Wildcats to a Big Sky Conference championship and an NCAA Regional appearance in Oregon. She earned her bachelor's degree in Sport Management from Weber State.

As she begins her tenure leading the program, Richardson said her primary goals are to prepare student-athletes for success at the next level and to build a winning culture at Lincoln Trail College. "Junior college softball is about development," she said. "I want to help my players get ready for the next level, whether that's Division I, II, III, or NAIA, and give them opportunities to play at four-year schools if they choose. I also want to bring a winning culture to Lincoln Trail. Winning the region and going to nationals would be an incredible way to start."

The upcoming season carries special meaning as it marks the 50th anniversary of women's softball at Lincoln Trail College. Richardson said she hopes to honor the pioneers who helped establish women's athletics at the college. "I'm a huge advocate for women's sports," she said. "The women who came before us paved the way so that we could have these opportunities. I want to celebrate them this spring because they deserve every bit of credit."

In addition to coaching, Richardson will take on a special projects role leading an initiative to develop an on-campus softball field. "We're the only sport without a field on campus," she said. "The girls work incredibly hard and deserve their own facility. Building a field will take this program to the next level. It will help with recruiting, bring pride to the team, and strengthen Lincoln Trail College as a whole."

Richardson has already begun planning for the 2026 season, which includes early-morning training sessions, preseason tournaments, and potential trips to Alabama and Florida. She's also working to schedule games against some of the top programs in the nation.

"Being from this area makes this opportunity even more special," Richardson said. "I can't wait to represent Lincoln Trail College in my hometown communities and build excitement for Statesmen softball."