Diane Richardson, a Transformational Head Coach, accomplished C-Suite Executive, successful Founder, and seasoned Motivator with over two decades of leadership experience has dedicated her career creating platforms of opportunity. From the basketball court to the boardroom, she kindles self-belief and reshapes the trajectories of people, cultures, and organizations.

With over a decade of Division I coaching experience, Richardson leads Temple University Women’s Basketball Team as the program’s Head Coach. On a mission to drive excellence both on and off the court, she isn’t just shaping athletes; she is molding a future of empowered leaders, building a winning culture, and launching her team to national recognition—a track record known to the college basketball community.

Most notably, Richardson propelled Towson University’s Women’s Basketball program to its most victorious era in a decade, achieving their first winning season in years and embarking on their longest winning streak since the late 2000s. Under her leadership, the team secured its first NCAA Tournament berth and clinched the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Tournament Championship, at which time she was named the conference Coach of the Year. And in recognition of her positive impact on the broader community, she was named one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women and received the Patsy T. Mink Equity in Education Award, among others.

Richardson’s thought leadership graces prominent platforms such as ESPN and 247sports, in addition to local and regional events. She is an esteemed member of the Women’s Basketball Coaches Associate (WBCA), actively contributing to their Diversity & Inclusion Committee. And her leadership with internationally-recognized organizations such as USA Basketball and Nike Basketball further cement her dedication to using sports as a platform for change.

Richardson’s college coaching career began at prestigious institutions like West Virginia University, George Washington University, and American University, where she spearheaded recruiting efforts and played pivotal roles in championship runs. Notably at Maryland University, she helped lead the team to a remarkable 33-4 record and a number one seed in the NCAA Tournament.

During her eight-year tenure as Head Coach at Riverdale Baptist High School, Richardson’s teams clinched five National Championships and consistently ranked in the top ten of USA Today’s national high school teams. Richardson’s prowess earned her the prestigious title of National High School Coach of the Year among others.

Prior to her coaching career, Richardson was an award-winning Founder and CEO of two financial service companies. With a particular focus on empowering the Black community, Richardson was thrice honored as the American Marketing National Marketing Director of the Year and celebrated by her local news provider as the “Woman of the Year.” Her contributions also earned recognition from the White House, where she was acknowledged among the Top Female Entrepreneurs in the US.

Richardson’s journey is a testament to her extensive and intensive commitment to excellence. A proud member of the revered Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., her academic achievements shine brightly as a Doctoral candidate at Grand Canyon University and having earned her Master’s from Central Michigan University and a Bachelor’s in both Psychology and Sociology from Frostburg State University. As a student-athlete, she clinched the NCAA Division I Championship in both the 200- and 400-meter races and earned a spot on the 1980 U.S. Olympic team.

Richardson is a force of nature. Devoted to elevating others, she remains unwavering in her mission to change lives. Richardson is the epitome of transformation, seamlessly integrating education, basketball, business, and mentorship. Her leadership is transformative, imprinting a lasting legacy on the individuals and institutions she leads along the way.