NORFOLK, Va. – Athletics Director Marty L. Miller announced today that Worth Richardson has been hired to lead the Norfolk State men’s and women’s tennis programs. Richardson arrives at NSU after spending the previous eight years at various collegiate programs, including last season as an assistant coach at William & Mary.
“We are very fortunate to add Coach Richardson to our staff,” said Miller. “He brings a great deal of experience to our program, and I believe he has the ability to improve the overall performances of the men’s and women’s tennis teams. We are looking forward to a great tennis season.”
"During the interview process it became clear to me Norfolk State University was a school full of pride and friendly faces,” Richardson stated. “I am very fortunate to be a Spartan and join this wonderful community."
Richardson spent the 2013-14 season as an assistant at William & Mary, helping coach the Tribe to 17 wins, the fifth most in school history, with three All-CAA players and one all-conference doubles tandem.
Prior to his one-year stint at William & Mary, Richardson was the head coach of North Carolina Wesleyan in 2012-13. The Battling Bishops won their opening match in the NCAA Division III Championship after claiming the USA South tournament title. N.C. Wesleyan finished 8-0 in league play and 15-10 overall that year.
At N.C. Wesleyan, Richardson also coached USA South Player of the Year Artsiom Prostak, who teamed up with Robert Kjellberg to finish as the NCAA runner-up in doubles. Kjellberg also finished the year ranked No. 5 in the NCAA in singles while under Richardson’s guidance.
Richardson served as an assistant head coach for the men’s and women’s tennis teams at Bucknell in 2011-12, leading both squads to the semifinals of their respective Patriot League tournaments.
He graduated from Christopher Newport in 2006 with a degree in economics and then spent five seasons as an assistant coach with his alma mater from 2006-11. While at CNU, Richardson helped coach four All-Americans, three USA South Players of the Year, 18 all-conference selections and 12 conference all-academic honorees.
He was a four-year starter at CNU, leading the Captains to the conference championship as a senior in 2006.
Familiar with the Hampton Roads area during his time at William & Mary and CNU, Richardson is looking forward to the challenges ahead at Norfolk State.
"It will be exciting to see the players of our tennis program strive to be the best they can be on and off the court, and in doing so establish themselves as a perennial power in the MEAC," Richardson said.
In addition to coaching in the collegiate ranks, Richardson has also served as the head pro at a pair of tennis clubs and coached with various junior teams and academies.