Junior guard Destiny "Des" Richardson brings international experience, academic excellence, and a unique perspective to the Fayetteville State women's basketball program. Born and raised in Okinawa, Japan, Richardson has competed across multiple countries and cultures, using basketball as a platform to connect with people around the world while pursuing her goals on and off the court.
Before joining the Broncos, Richardson attended Methodist University and built a strong reputation as a dedicated student-athlete. During her high school career, she earned Principal's Honor Roll recognition four times, was named Female Athlete of the Year twice, and excelled in track and field as a two-time Far East Shot Put Champion and Far East Discus Champion. In college, she continued her academic success by earning Dean's List honors twice.
Richardson chose Fayetteville State because it immediately felt like home and provided opportunities for growth both academically and athletically. She values the family atmosphere within the Bronco community and appreciates the support she receives as a student-athlete.
A Sports and Fitness Management major, Richardson plans to build a career in sports management while also pursuing professional basketball opportunities overseas, particularly in her home country of Japan. Her international basketball background includes competing in Korea, Tokyo, Osaka, and Thailand, experiences she considers among the most memorable moments of her athletic journey.
Away from the court, Richardson is an accomplished author and entrepreneur. She has published two books, Girls Can Fly Too and Basketball Head: Tips and Tricks on How to Be a Successful Student-Athlete. She also enjoys fishing and writing, using creativity as another outlet for personal growth and expression.
Richardson credits her mother, Karrell Darden, as her greatest influence, while her late grandfather, Rodney, remains her biggest source of motivation. His belief in her ability to play college basketball continues to inspire her each time she steps on the court.
An active campus leader, Richardson serves with the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and is passionate about community service. Through the Diamond Heart Outreach Annual Back-to-School Drive, she helps provide more than 100 backpacks and school supplies to K-12 students in Japan each year. She has also participated in school outreach programs, campus move-in initiatives, and community clean-up projects throughout the Fayetteville area.
Nickname: Des
Why Fayetteville State: "It always gave me the feeling of being home and provided opportunities to grow academically and athletically."
What Makes FSU Special: "I don't feel like just another number. I feel supported, seen, and part of a family."
Major: Sports and Fitness Management
Career Goal: Build a career in sports management while playing professional basketball overseas, particularly in Japan.
Academic Honors: Principal's Honor Roll (4x), Dean's List (2x)
Athletic Honors: Female Athlete of the Year (2x), Far East Shot Put Champion (2x), Far East Discus Champion
Biggest Athletic Influence: Her mother, Karrell Darden
Biggest Motivation: Her grandfather Rodney
Pregame Routine: A nap, music, and the Lord's Prayer
Hobbies: Fishing, writing, and publishing books
Published Books: Girls Can Fly Too and Basketball Head: Tips and Tricks on How to Be a Successful Student-Athlete
Leadership Roles: Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC)
Community Service: Diamond Heart Outreach Back-to-School Drive, Warrenwood Elementary outreach, Ramsey Street clean-up projects, and women's basketball community initiatives
Advice to Young Athletes: "Trust yourself, stay consistent, don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone, and take advantage of every opportunity."
Instagram: @just.des
