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Richardson, who guided the Crusaders to a 144-20 record from 2001-2006, replaces Gina Miller, who resigned for personal reasons. Under Miller, Riverdale Baptist was 81-13 in three seasons, including a 26-3 mark in the 2008-09 season.

"We thought that [Richardson] was the best choice for us at Riverdale Baptist," said longtime school athletic director Terry Terrill, who announced the hire on Tuesday. "I think after a couple of years away from the school she felt that her heart was still at Riverdale Baptist. She's excited to be back and we're excited to have her back. I think it's going to be a good fit for the program."

Richardson spent the 2006-07 season as an assistant coach at American University, then was an assistant at the University of Maryland in 2007-08 before taking a one-year hiatus from coaching to spend more time with her family.

When the Riverdale Baptist job became available, Richardson said she was eager to get back into coaching.

"I took a year off this past year and spent some time with my family," Richardson said. "I had been sitting in the rocking chair all year. When the Riverdale job opened, I thought it would be a good fit for me. Riverdale has definitely been a great program and I want to continue that. I'm glad to get a chance to work with the kids that I recruited before I left for American. It will be nice to get a chance to coach them for a year. I still have some spots to fill, so I have to get out and get to work."

The Crusaders lose four seniors to graduation, including Gazette-Star Player of the Year Tianna Hawkins, who is headed to the University of Maryland. But a strong nucleus returns, including 6-foot-1 rising senior Tierra Hawkins, an All-County First Team selection, who averaged 13 points and 8.2 rebounds per game. All-County Second Team point guard Jazzmine Johnson (11.2 points per game) also will be a senior, along with Ataira Franklin (10.3 ppg.).