Dr. Dot Richardson is a trailblazer, a champion, and a visionary whose influence extends far beyond the softball field. A two-time Olympic Gold Medalist (1996 Atlanta, 2000 Sydney), four-time World Champion, and five-time Pan American Games Gold Medalist, she is celebrated as one of the most accomplished athletes in the history of softball. Named the NCAA Player of the Decade for the 1980s, a three-time NCAA All-American at UCLA, and the 1982 NCAA National Champion, Dr. Richardson’s playing career helped shape the global rise of women’s softball and inspired generations of female athletes.
As the Head Softball Coach at Liberty University, Dr. Richardson has built one of the most respected programs in NCAA Division I. Under her leadership, the Flames have achieved over 400 victories, a 2025 NCAA Super Regional appearance, six NCAA Regional appearances, and multiple “Coach of the Year” and “Coaching Staff of the Year” honors. Her program is consistently ranked among the nation’s Top 25, known for its combination of discipline, grit, and faith-centered culture. In 2017, Liberty claimed the National Invitational Softball Championship (NISC) National Title, breaking or tying 22 program records in a single season.
Before her coaching career, Dr. Richardson made a profound impact both as an athlete and physician. A 16-time Amateur Softball Association (ASA) All-American and four-time USA Softball “Most Valuable Player,” she also received USA Softball’s “Best Defensive Player” Award seven times. She has been nominated four times for the prestigious Sullivan Award, recognizing the nation’s top amateur athlete, and was honored with the NCAA Silver Anniversary Award, Trailblazer Award, Title IX Woman of Impact Award, and induction into multiple Halls of Fame — including UCLA Athletics and the Amateur Softball Association Hall of Fame.
Dr. Richardson’s achievements extend far beyond the diamond. She earned her M.D. from the University of Louisville School of Medicine, completed her Orthopedic Surgery Residency at USC/LA County Medical Center, and specialized in Sports Medicine through the renowned Kerlan-Jobe Orthopedic Clinic in Los Angeles. As the former Director of the National Training Center and South Lake Hospital Sports, Health, and Education Campus in Clermont, Florida, she combined her medical expertise and athletic insight to promote health and fitness on a national scale. From 2001 to 2008, she was appointed Vice Chair of the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports by President George W. Bush, helping shape national policy on physical wellness and youth sports.
As an author, motivational speaker, and educator, Dr. Richardson continues to share her passion for excellence and faith. She is the author of two inspirational books — Go For It! A Conversation About Being You! and Living the Dream: The Dot Richardson Story (co-authored with Sports Illustrated’s Don Yaeger, foreword by Bob Costas). She has also developed an acclaimed library of instructional DVDs and coaching manuals, including Perfect Practice and the PFXA Coaching Education Program.
Dr. Richardson’s dedication to empowering young women in sport led her to found both the Dot Richardson Softball Association and PFX Athletics, organizations that provide developmental opportunities, clinics, and competitive platforms for aspiring athletes. She has also served as Board Chair of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Softball Ministry, using sport as a platform to share faith-based leadership and mentorship.
Her honors and awards are numerous, including:
NCAA Player of the Decade (1980s)
Two-Time Olympic Gold Medalist
Four-Time World Champion
Five-Time Pan American Gold Medalist
16-Time ASA All-American
NCAA Silver Anniversary Award
NCAA Trailblazer Award
Title IX Woman of Impact Award
Florida High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame Inductee
Amateur Softball Association Hall of Fame Inductee
United States Olympic Committee Athlete of the Year
Babe Zaharias Award – Female Athlete of the Year
NCAA Top 100 Student-Athletes of the Century (#43)
Today, as the Head Coach at Liberty University, Dr. Richardson continues to lead with purpose — teaching athletes to chase excellence through faith, character, and relentless effort.
Fans can also connect with Dr. Richardson through The Dot Richardson Show, available here on her website and on YouTube, where she sits down with world-class athletes, coaches, and leaders to share powerful lessons on leadership, perseverance, and faith.
Connect. Collect. Compete. Celebrate your favorite athletes by collecting exclusive Player Cards and supporting the next generation of softball stars — created to honor the legacy of those who paved the way, like Dr. Dot Richardson herself.
