Jan. 14, 2025 - North Central College senior athletic director Jim Miller '86 has announced the hiring of Patrick Richardson as the head coach of the men's and women's swimming and diving programs.

"We are excited to welcome Coach Richardson to North Central," said Miller. "He brings valuable Division III coaching experience and has built strong connections in the area over the past few years."

"Working with this program has been a long-time goal of mine, and I am grateful for the opportunity," Richardson said. "Helping unique and talented student-athletes achieve their athletic and academic goals is what motivates me to get up at 4 a.m."

Richardson has held various coaching and aquatics director roles in the Chicagoland area, most recently as the aquatics director at the Wheaton Sport Center. Prior to that, he was the director of aquatics at the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago in Naperville.

From 2015 to 2019, Richardson led the Hollins University (Va.) swimming team, a Division III program in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference. During his tenure, he coached the women's team to nine school records and developed an academic monitoring program that earned a College Swim Coaches Association of America Scholar All-America team honor. He also served as the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) advisor and coordinated community service projects for student-athletes.

Before Hollins, Richardson was the assistant swim coach for William Jewell College (Mo.), a Division II program, during the 2014-2015 season.

"Coaching is about providing the team and its athletes with the knowledge, support, and opportunities to succeed. I emphasize the student aspect of student-athlete, as there is always more to learn about the sport, whether as an athlete or coach. Teaching technical aspects ensures we swim smarter and harder. I aim to build a team of athletes who support each other and commit to excellence both in and out of the pool. This includes being ready to race, cheering on teammates, and excelling in the classroom," said Richardson.

Richardson swam collegiately at Oakland University (Mich.), a Division I program, where he was named a captain. He also served as the SAAC president and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in communication.

"I'm looking forward to building a strong team culture and breaking records for North Central. We have the chance to create an incredible program and make a significant impact on campus. We are fortunate to be part of an athletic department committed to competing at the highest levels," Richardson said. "I'm excited to see my athletes on the podium and can't wait for the waves we will make with the Cardinal community. I'm also thrilled to have my daughter grow up near the pool deck and around inspiring students."

The Cardinals return to the pool on Saturday, Jan. 25, as North Central hosts Augustana College, Millikin University, and Wheaton College for a meet at Naperville Central High School.

"I would like to thank Shawn Kornoelje for giving me the opportunity to walk on at Oakland, leading to a rewarding career," Richardson said. "Additionally, thanks to Dani Raymond and Maya Schattgen of Hollins University for teaching me to be a better coach. Biggest thanks to Louie Richardson for motivating me every day!"

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