Sometimes things just fall into place.
Miaya Richardson didn’t know how the recruiting process was going to go for her. In the past few years, Richardson watched as teammates on the New Hope High School girls soccer team bided their time between college scholarship offers and visited campuses to find the right fit for the next step in their lives.
As a senior, Richardson wondered how things were going to play out for her. But if you have seen Richardson play, it is readily apparent she is someone who can make things happen with the ball at her feet.
Itawamba Community College women’s soccer coach David Strother needed to see Richardson play in one game to know he had to have her.
On Friday, Richardson showed the feeling was mutual, as she signed a National Letter of Intent to play soccer at ICC in Fulton.
“I just wanted to play soccer in college,” Richardson said. “Coach Strother reached out to me and came to one of my games (the season opener against Neshoba Central), and I went on a campus tour and I was excited and I loved how genuine the school was and how real it was, and I felt like I was at home.”
Richardson didn’t know Strother was going to be scouting until right before the game when New Hope coach Mary Nagy told her. She said she tried to put it out of mind by playing like she usually plays and giving it her all. After the game, Richardson said Strother talked to her and told her he was interested in having her join his program.
It didn’t take long after Richardson visited ICC that she received a scholarship offer.
“It was just like that,” Richardson said, snapping her fingers. “There was no hesitation (in making her decision).”
Richardson said she started playing soccer as an eighth-grader who was “clueless.” She learned to love the sport and hoped she would get an opportunity to continue her career after high school.
Nagy said she wasn’t surprised Strother was impressed with Richardson the first time he saw her.
“Miaya is one of those that does everything under the radar,” Nagy said. “She is not a vocal leader, but she leads quietly by her actions. When she has something to say, it is very even-keeled, but the girls hear her and they get the message. They respect her leadership and the way she does that.”
Nagy said Richardson attended an ID camp with senior Madison Thrasher during the summer at Hinds C.C., but she wasn’t sure how much progress Richardson had made in the recruiting process leading into the season. When she talked to Strother prior to the season opener, she knew another player on the team was interested in ICC, so she talked to Strother and told him all about the seniors who were unsigned and about all of the talented younger players on the team.
After the game against Neshoba Central, Nagy said Strother asked, ‘Who is No. 9?’
All Nagy could do was smile because she has watched Richardson grow into a talented, versatile contributor.
“Coach Will (Taylor) knew it was going to happen, but she does it in a very quiet, not over-the-top way,” Nagy said.
Nagy said it is exciting that so many members of the senior class are being recognized for their talents after spending the past couple of seasons in the shadows of other players. Last season, New Hope sent Effie Morrison and Kayla Smith to Meridian C.C. and Samantha Vogel and Abby Wilson to Jones County Junior College to play soccer. Earlier this week, Sydney Brocksmith signed to play soccer at JCJC.
After the signings Friday, Nagy said another player could sign with another state junior college this week.
Nagy said it was just a matter of time someone started to recruit Richardson because she is blessed with knowledge of the game and speed and quickness.
“(ICC coach David Strother) is not only getting a quality player, but he also is getting an exceptional young lady of integrity and character, which to me is more important than how good her feet are,” Nagy said. “She is from a great family. She is true to her church and to her faith. She prays for us before every practice and every game. I call her our chaplain. She keeps us steady and close and keeps us focused on not only what it important, but also what is important in our lives.”
Richardson has played all over the field for the Lady Trojans. This season, she has moved to center back to replace the steady play of Smith, who anchored the position for the past few years.
“She has done a phenomenal job,” Nagy said. “Not only is she defensive minded, but there are times when she will go on runs and take shots. She is offensive minded, which is a huge advantage for us.”
It didn’t take long, but Richardson is excited to have completed the recruiting process. She said it is “surreal” that it happened so quickly, but now she is ready to concentrate on making the most of her senior season.
“I am so blessed that he chose me, of all people, to look at,” Richardson said.
Follow Dispatch sports editor Adam Minichino on Twitter @ctsportseditor
Adam Minichino is the former Sports Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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