Interview with Katie Richards

Katie Richards attended Blenheim High School before coming to Reigate College. She plays basketball for Great Britain and is hoping to turn professional in the future.

What have you been studying at College?

I’ve been doing A Levels in PE and Philosophy and a BTEC in Public Services (no longer available at Level 3).

How have you found the combination of subjects?

I’ve enjoyed all of them, especially PE. Public Services has been quite straightforward but I’ve found Philosophy quite a challenge. It involves lots of essay writing. PE is really academic with only 30% of it being practical.

What level have you got to with your Basketball?

I’ve been in the GB squad for the last three years, having done county, regional and being in the Euro U16 team. I’ve played for Sevenoaks Suns Basketball Club for several years now, playing as part of their professional women’s team, winning the 2017 WBBL championships.

What do you love about Basketball?

I love being part of a team and it helps being tall! I used to be a swimmer, but basketball is definitely much better for me because it is a lot more sociable and an extremely positive sport.

What are your plans for the future?

I’ve been offered the opportunity to go the United States to do a degree on a full basketball scholarship. I received a few different offers, but I’ve decided to go to Northeast College in Nebraska. I’m so thankful to have this opportunity as I’ll get a degree debt free. After uni I hope to play professional basketball, and coach but who knows what will happen.

How did you hear about the scholarship?

Two of my club coaches are American and knew about the system and the process of getting in – and they helped me hugely. Also four of my teammates have gone to America and were a huge help to me.

Katie Richards, June 2018