Richards signs with St. Norbert

CHENEY – Senior Janie Richards recently signed her letter of intent to accept scholarships and swim for St. Norbert College in De Pere, Wisc.

Richards was offered a four-year scholarship of $21,000 per year, her mother, Kelly Richards, said.

Kelly Richards said the swimming program in the college is relatively new and is in NCAA Division III. "She is on track to graduate high school with 90 college credits, having participated in the Running Start program at Eastern Washington University for past two years," she said.

Janie Richards said she has been swimming since she was in third-grade and has grown through her experiences. She has been through disappointing times, she said, but kept a positive mindset and put in extra work to overcome any obstacles.

The swimmer said she and her teammates all must make considerable sacrifices to manage the demanding schedule.

"The greatest thing about being on a year-round competitive swim team is the friendships I have made with other swimmers," she said. "We work hard and support each other. Some of my greatest memories are when my teammates get a personal record.

"It helps me work harder to reach my goals. I am very grateful for the support system around me. Friends, family, and coaches."

Janie's mother said the team pushes each other to do better, and said Janie was part of a relay team that broke a record standing since 1998 this year. Some of Janie's personal accomplishments include winning the 200 meter backstroke Regional at King Aquatic in 2018 and also being the state champion in the 2019 500 meter freestyle.

The swimmer said she is excited to start a new chapter in life and is currently thinking about studying business or nursing when she gets to St. Norbert's.

At St. Norbert's, Janie Richards will be swimming for a coach that went to the Olympic trials for the 100 meter and 200 meter butterfly, she said.

Reporter Matthew O. Stephens can be reached at reporter2@cheneyfreepress.com