On November 2, 2023, Katie Richards, the director of student success and disability support services at North Dakota’s Mayville State University, tragically passed away in an automobile accident. Her sudden death has shocked and grieved the community.
The Accident
Eight miles west of Reynolds, North Dakota, on the 22nd Avenue NE highway, Katie appears to have lost control of her 2021 Buick Enclave.
She had an untimely and sudden end when the car veered off the road, jumped a side ditch, and overturned. In order to pinpoint the precise reason of the mishap, investigations are still underway.
A Life Dedicated to Education
Katie Richards has a strong passion for teaching. She mentored and advised colleagues and students as the director of disability support services and student success at Mayville State University.
She was also committed to making sure that each student got the tools necessary to succeed in their academic endeavors. She was a fervent supporter of equal opportunity and diversity in the classroom.
Passion for basketball
Since 2009, Katie has worked as the varsity boys’ basketball coach at May-Port-CG High School in addition to her position at Mayville State University.
As a director of the Letterwinners Association, she further supported the University of North Dakota.
As a member of the women’s basketball team at Hope High School, Katie developed a passion for the game of basketball.
At the University of North Dakota (UND), she pursued her academic and athletic goals and graduated with a master’s in special education.
A Record of Accomplishments
The contributions made by Katie Richards extended beyond her commitment to learning and basketball.
She was honored with induction into the University of North Dakota Athletic Hall of Fame, having been a key player in the UND Sioux’s several national intercollegiate basketball titles.
This included three straight national crowns from 1996 to 1999, two North Central Conference championships, and four NCAA tournaments.
Notably, Katie played 123 games for UND and was voted Miss Basketball North Dakota. She was named to the Daktronics All-North Central Region Second Team, the WBCA All-American Honourable Mention, and the All-NCC Honours due to her outstanding 1512 points and 769 rebounds.
Katie Richards Obituary in North Dakota: A Tribute from the Community
Many people are grieving for Katie because of her unexpected death. The University of North Dakota’s director of athletics, Bill Chaves, offered his condolences and emphasized Katie’s important contributions to the school. He underlined that her impact would last for many years.
Katie is not just a teammate, but a wonderful teammate to everyone connected to North Dakota, according to head basketball coach Mallory Bernhard of the University of North Dakota.
She called Katie one of the most compassionate people she had ever met, as well as a fantastic friend and devoted mother.
Katie Richards was a remarkable friend and alum because she was well-known for her support and openness to express her genuine opinions.
The lasting influence Katie Richards had on those who had the good fortune to know her, her devotion to basketball, and her contributions to education all serve as testaments to her legacy.
