Montana State University Billings Athletics

Madeline Richard is in her second year with the Yellowjacket softball staff in 2018-19 after completing a decorated collegiate career at the University of California, Riverside.

Richard left UCR with her name at the top of the school record books for DI career batting average at .379 and career on-base percentage at .466. Her career average also ranks ninth all-time for the Big West Conference. She also ranks in the Highlanders’ top-10 for stolen bases, walks, slugging percentage, doubles and fielding percentage.

A slap hitter, Richard was named a preseason All-American heading into her senior season and made the top-50 NCAA DI hitters to watch list. She performed well under the pressure and high expectations finishing the season with a .328 batting average and 21 stolen bases. 

During her junior season Richard recorded impressive numbers on her way to being named first-team All-Big West and second-team all-region. She led the conference in batting average at .452 and stolen bases with 38, which ranked 19th in the nation.

A passion for coaching developed throughout Richard's playing career as she began to prepare for life after college. Softball was always at the front of her mind and the ability to pass on her knowledge and experience to younger women drove the Vista, Calif. native back into the dugout.