CARIBOU, Maine — Kayla Richards is getting her first opportunity to oversee a varsity basketball program much earlier than she expected.
Richards was hired earlier this week as coach of the Caribou girls’ varsity basketball team.
“I am really thrilled and thankful for the opportunity,” Richards said. “The sport has had a meaningful impact on my life and I hope to share that with the girls.”
The 24-year-old just finished her first year as an English teacher at Caribou High School and now heads into her second school year as a coach during all three sports seasons.
She just wrapped up her first year at the helm of the Vikings’ varsity softball team, where her team overcame an 0-8 start to reach the playoffs. In addition to the basketball position, she will be the school’s JV girls soccer coach.
“The kids really gravitate toward Kayla,” said Caribou Athletic Director David Wakana. “She has made good connections with the students and the kids respect her both as a teacher and coach.”
Wakana said Richards emerged out of a field of three good candidates by impressing the school’s four-person committee that oversaw the hiring process.
“I just think she’ll be a good fit,” he said. “She’s a good role model, knows the game and I like her disposition. She’s even keeled but very competitive and I know she will work hard to raise the standards of the program.”
Last winter, Richards served as an assistant coach for the team under Ryan Deprey, who resigned after going 29-99 during his seven seasons.
Caribou went 4-14 during the 2016-17 season and missed out on the playoffs. The Vikings will return nine players from that squad.
“I think [last winter] really prepared me for the lead role,” Richards said. “It was a good group to be around and I had a good experience.”
Richards graduated from Presque Isle High School in 2012 and was part of a state championship basketball team her senior year under coach Jeff Hudson. She was a four-year starter in both basketball and soccer for the Wildcats. She went on to play both sports at the University of Maine at Fort Kent and was a member of two national champion soccer teams.
“I had a lot of great coaches during my career, so I was fortunate,” Richards said. “I will take pieces from everything I’ve learned and turn it into my own style.”
Richards is currently co-directing the summer basketball program at Caribou High School along with JV coach Marc Weeks.
