By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 7/26/09
Lawrenceville School (N.J.) rising senior midfielder Camille Richardson, of Berwyn, has made a verbal commitment to play at Columbia University for 2010-11.
Richardson, who attended Baldwin School as a freshman, scored 42 goals this season and was named Lawrenceville’s team MVP while earning All-Mid Atlantic Prep League and NJISAA All-League honors. Richardson also played for the South Jersey squad in the US Lacrosse National tourney.
Richardson, whose stepfather went to Columbia, plans to major in sociology or environmental studies.
“Getting a great education was my main objective,” said Richardson, a Dean’s list student. “And I also wanted to be able to play.
“They’ye been trying to find their place in the Ivies, and I want to help them build their reputation.”
Columbia finished 9-7 in 2009, but only 1-6 in the rugged Ivy League. Another Philly recruit, Germantown Academy midfielder Olivia Mann, will be a freshman this year.
“It’s such a unique environment,” said Richardson, who also has played three years of varsity basketball at Lawrenceville. “It’s in the middle of the city. Yet they still have fields and a gym and so much excitement around. That provides great opportunities after lacrosse.
“I also like the location. It’s close enough that my family can see some games. That’s another thing I was looking for.”
Richardson is also looking forward to helping Lawrenceville improve in 2010.
In 2009, Lawrenceville went 5-6 overall, 2-3 in the Mid-Atlantic Prep League. One of the non-league wins was a 15-11 triumph over Haverford School at the Katie Samson Festival at Radnor on April 25.
“My goal was that I wanted our team to play a clean game and to keep our heads held high,” said Richardson. “There is nothing worse than a dirty game.
“Even thought we weren’t that strong, everyone enjoyed themselves. This year we’re losing some girls that are going to Yale. Hopefully we’ll get some young blood next year and we’ll turn it around.”
