Maya Richardson graduated from Kalamazoo College with degrees in biology and was a four-year letterwinner for the women's lacrosse team. Now that her academic and athletic careers at K have ended, Richardson will stay in the area to pursue a master of arts degree from Western Michigan in biological sciences.
"K was helpful in its rigorous education," said Richardson. "I believe this will help me continue my study habits and improve throughout the rest of my schooling."
On the field, Richardson played in a total of 38 games, with 33 coming in the past two seasons. She scored her first collegiate goal as a senior against Adrian in those two years and collected 14 assists. Richardson also picked up 21 ground balls and caused six turnovers as an attacker in the defensive zone.
"I learned more than I ever thought I would as a student-athlete. I learned how to be an effective leader, a compassionate teammate, and above all, an even better friend. My teammates were the best group of women I could have asked for, and I truly hope they know the impact that each of them had on my experience at K," said Richardson about her athletic experience at Kalamazoo.
Her senior integrated project involved shadowing four dentists during the summer of 2022 while learning about various procedures and what it takes to run a dentistry practice effectively. She also had the opportunity to broaden her horizons with a study abroad in Rome, Italy, for four months. Richardson said, "It was incredibly rewarding because I got to take classes I normally wouldn't, such as Printmaking and Art History. I got to learn a lot about myself in terms of independence" about her trip.
K has many opportunities to get involved on campus and in the community. Richardson advises newcomers coming to Kalamazoo to learn how to say yes, whether it's joining a new club or team, hanging out with someone new, or going to events on campus.
A native of Saginaw, Mich., and Heritage HS alum, Richardson grew close with her classmate and teammate while playing as a Hornet. "Elena Basso is truly a one-of-a-kind human being," said Richardson. "I would not be the teammate, player, and above all, the kind and caring person I am today without her."