Deb Richardson facts for kids

Deb Richardson (born February 17, 1961) is an American athlete known for her skills in beach volleyball. She is a talented player who competed at the highest level of her sport, including the Olympic Games.

Deb Richardson: A Beach Volleyball Star

Deb Richardson became a professional beach volleyball player. She was known for her strong performance on the sand courts. Beach volleyball is a sport played by two teams of two players on a sand court divided by a net. Players try to hit a ball over the net so that it lands on the opponent's side of the court.

Her Olympic Journey

One of the biggest moments in Deb Richardson's career was competing in the 1996 Summer Olympics. These Olympic Games were held in Atlanta, Georgia. Deb teamed up with her partner, Gail Castro, to represent the United States. They worked hard and finished second in the American trials, which earned them a spot in the women's beach volleyball tournament at the Olympics. Playing in the Olympics is a huge achievement for any athlete.

Professional Tournaments

After her Olympic experience, Deb Richardson continued to play professionally. In 1997, she began her ninth season on the WPVA tour. The WPVA (Women's Professional Volleyball Association) tour was a series of tournaments where top female beach volleyball players competed. For this season, Deb partnered with another skilled player named Linda Chisholm. Playing on the tour meant traveling and competing against many other talented teams.

Playing in College

Before becoming a professional and an Olympian, Deb Richardson played volleyball in college. She attended the University of Alaska-Anchorage. Playing college sports helps athletes develop their skills and prepare for higher levels of competition. It's often a stepping stone for many who go on to play professionally.