Charlotte Richards had no idea there was such a thing as “4A Player of the Year”. Now, she not only knows what it is, but she also owns this title.

Richards, a senior, led the Xavier volleyball team to two state semi-finals in the past two years. She has been honored as First Team All-Conference, All-District, and All-State. This was just one more honor to add to her resumé.

“I was shocked when I found out,” Richards said. “Knowing that I was receiving this kind of title from the state really meant a lot to me.”

Throughout her career, Richards has stayed humble. She accredits her success to those around her.

“I could not have done it without the help of my teammates and coaches,” Richards said. “They are the ones who have pushed me every single day and have helped shape me into the player that I am today, and I can’t thank them enough.”

Her teammates have seen the hard work she has put in. One of them, junior Olivia Richards, sees it more than the rest of their teammates. The two sisters have played with each other for two years. She not only sees the hard work on the court but outside of practice as well.

“Her work ethic really helped her. She’s always in the gym and putting in the effort,” O. Richards said. “She wants to get better and try different things, while perfecting every aspect of her game.”

C. Richards has committed to the University of Missouri-Saint Louis to play volleyball next year. She will join her older sister, Madsy (X15), on the team. However, she will continue to work hard before joining the team in August.

“I will play club volleyball until May, then I will play some sand volleyball and practice with the Xavier volleyball team throughout the summer,” C. Richards said.

For the first time in two years, Olivia will have to play without her sister. It is a change she is not particularly looking forward to.

“Next year I will definitely miss playing next to her, celebrating each point, the jokes we made, and competing against her in practice,” O. Richards said.

C. Richards will never forget her memories from the Xavier volleyball program.

“It will always hold a special place in my heart,” C. Richards said. “I had so much fun making memories with my teammates on the court.”

The returning Saints will look to advance to the state tournament again next year, without the help of C. Richards.

Maria Steffen

Assistant Sports Editor