BY BRIAN GOSSET
X – @Gosset41
BROCK – For the past 1 1/2 years, Mia Richards was firmly committed to play softball at Wichita State. But just days before Wednesday’s start to the 2024 fall National Signing Day, she had the opportunity to play at a Big 12 school alongside one of the biggest names in the game.
On Sunday, she chose Texas Tech and on Wednesday, Richards made it official.
“What drew me to it, I went on my visit and it felt like everyone was a community there and I had a lot of fun at the football game…I love the coaches and the facilities are amazing,” Richards said “They gave me the wow factor.”
Richards, a catcher at Brock, was among the home run leaders last season in DFW. She finished with 18 homers – fourth most in the metroplex, but most after the regular season. She helped the Eagles to a playoff berth.
Brock played in 3A last year before making the move up to 4A this school year.
Over the summer, the Red Raiders picked up reigning National Player Of The Year, pitcher NiJaree Canady, who transferred from Stanford. Richards will have a chance to play and even catch Canady in 2026 when the latter is a senior.
“Playing with her is a big thing as well…that’s pretty cool,” Richards said. “I get to play with her my freshman year, her senior year, and playing in Lubbock it means something too because now that she’s there, Tech is building more of a profile and I can only hope it goes up from here.”
Jan. 10 is the official first day of practice while Feb. 10 is the regular season opener.
