2012 • FRESHMAN SEASON: Started all 53 games at third base • posted the second-best batting average on the team at .338 and tied for the lead in home runs with 10 • ranked Top 10 in the Big Ten in doubles (t-3rd), slugging percentage (4th), home runs (t-5th), walks (t-7th), run batted in (t-8th) and runs (t-10th) • ranks fourth all-time in Gopher history with 16 doubles • sits fifth all-time in school history with 32 walks • named Big Ten Freshman of the Week three times (Mar. 5; Mar. 12; Apr. 2) • tallied first-career hit in the season opener against Kent State (Feb. 11) • notched first-career home run in a 1-for-3 performances against CSU Bakersfield (Feb. 12) while also recording three RBI • belted two home runs and had four RBI in a 2-for-2 day against Illinois State (Feb. 18) • went 2-for-3 at the plate against the defending National Champions Arizona State (Feb. 18) • tallied a pair of hits and three RBI against Iowa State (Feb. 19) • notched a home run and scored two runs against James Madison (Feb .25) • went 6-for-12 with six runs, four RBI, six walks, two doubles and a pair of home runs at the Bulldog Invitational (Mar. 2-4) in Athens, Ga. • garnered first Big Ten Freshman of the Week honor on March 5 for her efforts at the Bulldog Invitational • was perfect at the plate against Bethune-Cookman (Mar. 10) with three hits, two RBI, three runs and a double • named Big Ten Freshman of the Week for the second time on March 12 for going 7-for-13 at the Embassy Suites Invitational in Boca Raton, Fla. • began an eight-game hitting streak in the Big Ten opener against Illinois (Mar. 23) • notched a two-run home run in a 2-for-3 performances in the second game of the Illinois series (Mar. 24) • went 6-for-12 with seven runs, six RBI, two doubles and two homers in the Nebraska series (Mar. 31-Apr.1) • tagged Big Ten Freshman of the Week for her performance in the Nebraska series • had hitting streak snapped in the series finale against Wisconsin (Apr. 7) • went 2-for-3 from the plate with one RBI in the second game of the Michigan series (Apr. 21) • recorded two doubles in the second game of the Penn State series (Apr. 28) • was a perfect 3-for-3 with a home run in the Game Two of the Purdue series (May 5). HIGH SCHOOL: Graduated from Sandra Day O'Connor High School in Phoenix, Ariz. • two-time all-state selection (2009 and 2010) and a three-time all-region honoree (2008-10) • batted .495 with 51 RBI, 19 doubles and six home runs during 2010 • won three regional championships (2008-10) • played three seasons on O'Connor's golf team • member of National Honor Society and the Society of Female Scholars • earned all-academic region honors for golf and was named to the NFCA All-Academic Softball team in 2008 • coached by Melissa and Jason Shepherd and Rob Latona • also competed for the Arizona Hotshots from 2007-10.
GET TO KNOW KAITLYN RICHARDSON: Why the University of Minnesota? When I first got to campus I fell in love with everything. The girls were great and all the support here to off was phenomenal. Although this was all great, the deciding factor was the coaches. I loved their intensity and drive to win and all their goals were common goals of mine. I know that this was the school that I was going to reach my maximum potential at.
What is it like to play for Minnesota? I love playing here for the U. The team is really competitive and it's a great atmosphere. We have great team chemistry and I enjoy every minute of practice.
Favorite professor? Professor Helm because he has a passion for teaching that is so prevalent throughout his lectures.
First softball memory? Always being so small. Any time I was on a team I was ALWAYS the smallest player. If I was playing up I would walk up to practice and people would say how "cute" I looked; I hated it!! Then I grew and actually passed up all the girls that use to be taller than me.
Favorite athlete of all-time? Tom Brady because he is one of the most driven players I have ever seen, and he has a mentality that he wants to prove himself anytime he can (even though he is one of the best ever). He never stops and is an extraordinary leader.
Game/reality show you would like to be on? The Price is Right!!! Only if Bob Barker came back host the show I was on... I love this show!! My brothers and I use to watch it every day in the summer at 9 am! it's the best game show out there.
Favorite place to eat in Dinkytown? Mesa Pizza!! I can't get enough mac and cheese pizza.
Guilty pleasure song? "Here We Go" by N'Sync
Bucket list Visit my family members in Spain Zip lining
