 |
Alex Richey assumed the role of head coach at Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, Georgia, before the start of the 2014-15 season. In their second season under Richey’s leadership, the Stormy Petrels finished fifth in the Southern Athletic Association with a 13-14 overall record. |
Tell us a little about your background?
After playing at Oglethorpe from 2007 through 2011, I decided to take a year away from the game. I went to work in corporate America for a small local firm. However, when my former coach, Phil Ponder, contacted me about returning to work for him, I knew that my heart was in the gym. Upon my return to college basketball, I started my coaching career on the men's side as an assistant coach. After winning the most games in the past 20 years in the 2013-14 season, I decided to pursue the women's opportunity at my alma mater. My father had been a high school women's coach in Atlanta for 12 years. After working with his teams in the summer and fall throughout my college playing and coaching career, I made the decision that the women's game was right for me and I have never looked back.
In May of 2014, I was blessed with the opportunity of being the head women's coach at Oglethorpe and we have been non-stop ever since. I work with great people and am fortunate enough to work at a great institution and would not trade it for anything.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I have recently purchased my first house with my fiancé. We are planning our wedding in the fall right before the basketball season. We could not be more excited about the changes in our lives.
When did you know you wanted to be a coach?
Every kid dreams of being a professional basketball player, but I was always motivated to become a coach because I was a coach’s kid. I remember family trips being centered around AAU tournaments and watching the Georgia high school state championships at Georgia Tech from the time I was 6 until I was able to play for a state championship myself.
Do you have any pregame rituals?
Pregame rituals only revolve around food. I am very superstitious though. If we are winning, I am going to stick with the same outfit until we have a bad outcome.
What is/are the most challenging part(s) of your role?
The most challenging part of my role as a head coach is being able to delegate to my staff. I have an image of what I want our program to look like on a day-to-day basis. Although we are getting close to it, the more I can share with my staff, the easier it can translate to the culture throughout our team.
Briefly state your coaching philosophy; What values are important to you that you try to instill in your student-athletes?
My style is RGHF, which is what we refer to it as in our program as RUN, GUN, AND HAVE FUN. We try to create a fun atmosphere in our practices, road trips, etc. We play a fast up-tempo style with pressing and high-octane scoring. My players seem to enjoy playing that way and I certainly enjoy coaching that way.
What is your favorite memory in your current coaching role thus far?
My favorite memory thus far in my coaching career was our first conference tournament win this past season. Our program had not won a game in the conference tournament in five years so this was a huge step for our program. It showed our players that we were truly moving in the right direction.
What does it mean to you to be recognized as a WBCA “Thirty Under 30” honoree?
It is an honor to be recognized as a member of the inaugural “Thirty Under 30” class. It would not be possible without an administration that has bought in to the changes we have made, our players who continue to push themselves to be the best they can be every day, and my coaching staff who works tirelessly to take Stormy Petrels basketball to the level of excellence we are striving for.
The WBCA recognizes annually the WBCA's Thirty Under 30 recipients. This recognition was created to honor thirty of the up-and-coming women's basketball coaches age 30 and under in the sport at all levels of the game. For more information on the award, click here.