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Hey everybody and welcome back to Echoes of the Yard. I'm your host Kendyl Terrell, soccer player at Jackson State University and this podcast is your source for all things HBCU. From the guests to the topics, the good and the bad, we're here to talk about it all. For the 13th episode, I'm excited to be joined by one of my new friends Leah Richardson who is a softball player at Alabama State. Even though we're rivals, welcome on and is a cricket HBCU student ambassador. We've got so much to talk about after we recently met at the MEAC versus SWAC challenge in Atlanta, Georgia. We will definitely be talking about that but give me a little bit about yourself. What's your background, siblings, hobbies?

Let me see. Okay, hi everyone. My name is Leah. I'm a senior here at Alabama State. Like Kendyl said, I am on the softball team here. I've been playing softball since I was four years old. My parents told me that my sister, she's actually been playing softball way before me. She's like 28. She's kind of old but not old. So they said like as soon as I was born, they kind of just had to throw me in the stroller and I've been at the field ever since. So everyone's like softball was made for you, like you grew up at the field and I've seen the pictures so I guess they're telling the truth. I'm the youngest of four siblings. I have two sisters. Me too. Me too. Everyone is seven.

Everyone is seven years older than me so I kind of feel like I grew up by myself but like as I get older we get closer. So I guess that's true what people say, like the older you get the closer you get to your siblings 100%. Hobbies besides softball which takes up pretty much all of my life. I did cross Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated Okay In three I'm a legacy. So that was just a really good time in my life. I mean like especially when my mom passed away my senior year of high school from COVID. So just being able to you know fulfill her legacy and it being me my mom my sister like that just made me feel closer to her in that sense. So I was excited to do that.

And being an ambassador has really just been my other hobbies lately. Like, I don't know where it came from. It kind of started spring of last semester. I really started getting into the NILs and the ambassador programs. And the thing that I learned is opportunity is out there. It's just on you to seek it. So I was scared to apply for things because I was like, 'oh, I'm not going to get it.' Everyone's applying. Why would they pay me? But then I applied to a Beyoncé scholarship and I got $10,000. And ever since then, my perspective has changed on those kinds of things. And instead of 'why me', why not me? Period. I love that. That's just how I've been lately. And things have been on the rise. Like, I don't know.

I feel like 2024, I really sat down and I made a list of goals that I wanted for like my relationships, my health, my softball, my family, and really just sticking to those things and cutting out the things that weren't serving me anymore. So just once I did that, I feel like my life has just been on the come up, on the rise. Yeah. It's just so crazy. I'd be like. So you're basically thriving. You're literally thriving. Through so many like trials and tribulations just to get where I am. But like when I look back at the things I went through, like it was all worth it to get to this point right here, right now. Like I'm graduating in May. I'm going to have my bachelor's.

I'm going straight to get my master's right after. Life has been good. Like I try to tell myself, like when things come up, it's a bad day, not a bad life. Life is really what you make it, and it's up to you to like rewrite your stories, change the narrative. Like life is up to you to really just maneuver. And you can't just let one little thing ruin your day, ruin your. Things are going to come up. It's really just on you. And they took me a while and things aren't going to go as planned, and things aren't going to go my way. So did you always know you wanted to attend an HBCU? No. I didn't. So what was your journey to Alabama State then? Guys, I didn't even know what an HBCU was.

Well, I did. Let me stop. I did. Because my sister, she played softball at Texas Southern from 2013 to 2017. So, but I only visited there like on graduation. Yeah, I only went on graduation. So, you know, coming from California, it's like playing travel. Also being. A minority in my sport. Everyone kind of was more geared to. Going to school in California, like especially being from NorCal. Everyone was like, oh, like we want to go to schools in SoCal. We want to go to Fresno State, San Jose State, Sacramento State, Long Beach, UCLA, things like that. And that's ultimately what I was going to do, because that's all I knew. I mean, I knew surrounding like Arizona. I knew Washington, Reno, like surrounding states. But never did I think I would be going to Alabama.

Never. Funny story is like once COVID hit, like, well, it started with the recruitment change. I don't know if you're familiar with that. They stopped letting recruits commit at young ages because we had people committing for softball in seventh grade. Sixth grade, eighth grade. Yeah. They stopped that. They said, now you can't commit until September 1st of your junior year. And when I was a freshman, that was like prime commitment time. So I was ready to go. I was ready to commit. But like, so when they came out with that rule, I was like, oh, wow. Now I don't know what to do. Like, I'm kind of set backwards because, you know, they want them to develop more. Like, what do you know about college when you're in middle school? Yeah.

So when they did that rule. The school changed. I was like, OK. Then we get to September 1st, my junior year. I'm super excited, ready to commit. COVID. So my thing. Softball was on a stop. Sports across the world were stopped. On hold. Yeah. Then my mom got sick with COVID and we didn't we didn't go out anymore after that. Like, I really remember it was kind of like. It was like one day she was at home and we were fine. Like, we had went to her dad's wedding. So my grandpa's wedding. And it was like a small little ceremony. They said, like, five people could be there. So me and my mom went. And a couple of days later, she's like, I don't feel good. And I'm like, OK, me too.

But like, I'm thinking we just have like a little cold. Turns out we both have COVID. But like, you know, since she's older, like, it hit her harder than it hit me. So she had to go to the hospital. This is like before the vaccine, before anything. Like, everyone is still confused because COVID came around, you know, March, April. This is in July. So it was kind of like, I don't know where I was. I think I was at home in my room quarantining. And my dad sends me a message and he's like, I'm taking your mom to the hospital. And I didn't even know that I would never see her again after that day. Like, it was just very, like, I was still very young. Like, I was 17.

Like, I didn't think, like, it was that serious. Like, so when days were going by, like, we would like FaceTime in the hospital and stuff. And days were going by. And I just was like, when are you coming home? Like, I don't even feel bad for real. Like, I don't feel sick for real. And days keep going by. And one night, like, the house phone rings. And like, the house phone never rings, like, ever. So when they say it's the hospital, I get the phone from my dad. They're like, we have to put her on the ventilator. I'm 17. Again, I don't know what any of that means. I don't know what any of that means. So I'm just like, okay, like, if it makes it better, then, like, let's do it.

Like, my dad starts crying. I'm like, what are we crying for? I thought this was going to be better. Like, yeah. So they ultimately decide to do it. I go to bed. I wake up the next morning. My dad gets another call from the hospital. And I have to tell you, to my dad, because obviously I don't know nothing. He's like, 'You need to get dressed now.' He was like, 'This is it.' Like, 'This is the end of life.' I just remember being in the living room downstairs, like, dropping to the floor, crying my eyes out. Like, 'This is fake.' Like, 'This is fake.' And then I just remember taking a shower, getting ready, like, getting in the car. And then just being like...

Like, 'No, this isn't my life.' Like, 'You'll hear about this from other people' or 'you see this on the internet.' But like, nothing really ever makes sense until it's you. So I'm not really processing anything. I'm just like, what are we doing? So we get to the hospital. My dad looks me in the eye. We park. He's like, you can't tell your sister nothing. I'm like, what do you mean? Because she's in nursing school. She's like, she's getting her master's for nursing, like, in Illinois. And so he's like, her plane doesn't come in until tonight. So I'm like, I have to keep this big old secret all day. Like, our mom just died. Like, I have to keep this big old secret all day. She's texting me. She's asking me for updates.

I'm like, oh, everything's good. Like, you're good. Man, I just remember going to the hospital, looking, being like, this isn't real. And, I don't know, like, stuff starts to fog up and blur. I think I just block it out, like, from there. I don't know. That's where we end up picking her up. We had to break the news to her. Like, that's a whole other thing. And I just felt really bad. Like, as my, as being her sister, especially her little sister, like, keeping that big old secret all day from her just really hurt me. Like, and I don't know, I'm still not over it. Like, it just was a lot. But, you know, with the whole COVID thing, I still had, even though I had, like, I had quit for, like, this period of time, like, July through, I don't know, maybe December.

I was like, I'm not going to play sports. I'm going to just be a student. And my dad was kind of just like, that's not what your mom would have wanted. Like, she wanted you to play softball in college. Like, we didn't quarrel. Sports is expensive. Like, you know. I don't realize how much travel sports costs until you get older. I was like, y'all were paying that? Y'all want that return on your investment, don't you? So I was like, all right, I'll just do it. Like, whatever. So we, me and my dad, we got in the lab. Like, we're back on the field. Like, it's just me and him. Like, at this point, I'm not playing no games. I'm not on no team.

It's just me, him, and a phone propped up trying to get some video at the field every day. I'm like, I still have my phone. My old connects. Like, so I reach out to them. We're full. We're full. We're not looking for your position anymore. We’re full. We’re full. We’re full. I’m just slightly frustrated. Like, it doesn’t make sense. Like, at one point, I was a hot commodity. And now nobody wants me. Like, I just didn’t know how to feel. And I get an email from Todd Bradley. He wants to play. And he was the hitting coach at Fresno State. And he had just gotten the head coaching job at Alabama State. And he was like, how would you feel about coming to Alabama?

At this point, I have no other options. So I'm like, oh, OK. Like, let me talk to my dad about it. I'm talking to my dad. I'm like, no. He's like, you don't have any other options. I was like, you're right. So we did a little research. And, you know, this is COVID. So I can't take no visit. I can't go see it in person. I just show up on moving day in August. I commit in December. I show up on moving day in August. I'm like, oh, wow. Where am I? In the country. I'm in the country. I'm a city girl. So that was just crazy. But when I look back on everything, like, I wouldn't change a thing. Like, I would do it all over again. Like, everything, start to finish.

Like, this was where I was supposed to be. Like, even though I didn't realize at the time, even though I cried and I fought, this was where I was supposed to be. So do you think playing for an HBCU has, like, made college sports easier or harder for you? Um, I think it's made college sports easier. A lot of the stuff that we did at home in California, we don't do here. Like, education-wise, softball-wise, it's just a different culture. And I feel like the South is advancing, but not at the rate that California is advancing in the West. Yeah. So, um, I definitely feel like. Things have been easier. So, stuff that they, new stuff that they introduce, I've been introduced to since I was young.

So it's not really, like, a big shock or anything like that to me. It's just like, okay. And then for, I see for my teammates that are, you know, from the South or locals, they're like, oh, I've never seen this before. I've never done this before. And I'm like, oh, really? But then again, on the other hand, it's stuff that I come here and I'm learning. And I'm like, oh, I've never heard of that before. I've never seen this before. Yeah. Like, oh, like, even just as simple as, um, backpack versus book bag. I'm like. You call it book bag? No, I call it backpack. Oh. But down here, a lot of them are like, oh, my book bag. My book bag, yeah. So I think that's a little weird.

Pronunciation on things. Oh, yeah. Like, um, in the South, people don't finish their words. Like, we don't finish. We don't pronounce the whole word. We put words together. They're like, it's our own slang. It's just, it's just so different. I didn't pick up on that. I was like, oh, okay. And I definitely will say, my HBCU saved me. My HBCU saved me. I came down to school with a leave-out, with some clip-ins. The humidity took me out in hours. I didn't know what knotless braids was. Um. Wow. All I can say is wow. I've learned a lot about hair care, um, oiling my scalp. Um, it's like, these are things that I knew, but like, I could get away with not doing it at home. Yeah. Here, I will say, they got me right.

They got you right. Okay, so now what everybody wants to hear about. You're a Cricket HBCU student ambassador. So, first, what does that mean, and what is your role exactly? Being a Cricket HBCU ambassador has really just been so, I don't even know the words to say, just so exciting, so rewarding, because my line sisters, both, two of them, were Cricket ambassadors the last two years on my campus, and when they graduated, I was like, hey guys, like, who's going to be the new ambassador? Like, since y'all are here. Since y'all are leaving, they were like, oh, they're looking for one. I was like, oh, really? So, then I applied, and I did it, my, I sent my application in, I did my interview, I was like, yes, I aced that.

Um, late July rolls around, I get a denial. I'm like, oh, okay, like, you know, not everything's meant for me. I did my best, I tried. Um, a week or two later, I get an email saying. Something came up, and am I still in the role? And I was like, of course. Of course I am. Of course. They were like, can you be up for a meeting this day, training this day, and the Swag Net Classic in August? Of course I can. Yes, I can. Yes, I will. So, just soon as I was greeted by, um, Chanel and Arias and the rest of the Cricket ambassadors, as soon as I, as soon as I entered the group chat, everyone was like, oh my gosh, I'm going to be the ambassador.

I was so nice and so welcoming. And that's what I love about the South. Like, the Southern hospitality is a real, like. It's crazy. Like, oh my God, welcome. We're so excited to have you. What's your Instagram? What's your LinkedIn? Um, what's your name? Tell us about yourself. I was like, wow, like, I really feel like I know these people. Like, I felt like I knew them before I even met them. Literally. And just watching my line sisters around campus doing, you know, tabling events, doing activations. I was like, wow, like, I can do that. Like, I have experience doing that. Like, obviously I'm a talker. I'm a yapper. Like, I know how to network something. I know how to pitch an idea. I know how to appeal to different audiences.

Like, relate to them. You know, how you learn in school. Eat those fats. Come on. Exactly. Just what being an ambassador means to me just is repping the Cricket Wireless brand. Getting the name out there. They're showcasing Cricket in a positive light around my campus. You know, a lot of people don't really know about Cricket Wireless. And I feel like just by me posting on social media, me repping my Cricket Merge, me telling people around campus. And also, we're about to launch a, this week is our Pay It Forward program. So, I will be around campus handing out gift cards. If I see somebody in line, I'm going to give them a $10 gift card. And I'm going to say, hey, what's your name? Say it's on Cricket. Here he is.

So, we are launching that this week, the Pay It Forward program. So, I'm excited about that. Because I really feel like that will also, you know, drive more followers and things like that. Because, you know, we grow college students. Everybody can use a little $10 here and there. Hey, come on now. Come on. And freshmen probably ain't got no more money on their flex. Already ran it up in the first month. That's what I'm saying. Just things like that. I feel like Cricket really does do its best to take care of their ambassadors, their employees, and just their customers. Like, as a consumer, what can you do for me? Why should I spend my money with you versus somebody else? And I feel like Cricket always has solutions to things.

They never try to sweep under the rug what your problems are. Or they never try to downplay your problems. Like, they really listen to you and they create solutions. It's not excuses. And I see a lot of people create excuses. But as a consumer, if I'm paying my money and my dollars, I need solutions. I don't need, oh, it's your fault. It's not that bad. Yeah. So, that's what I really like about them. And just being able to go on my first trip to Atlanta. Like, that was awesome. I can't wait for the Celebration Ball. Speaking of Atlanta, we met at the MEAC SWAC Challenge, where Cricket was the title sponsor. Tell me about that experience. What was your biggest takeaway from that event? Everything was just, it was so fast.

But I am a fast-paced girl. Like, oh, we're going here. Now we're going there. Okay, what do we do next? Yeah. I like to be complacent. Like, I like to go, go, go. Club. Bus. Another club. Go. And my biggest takeaway was the people I met. And the next opportunities that I had. Like, I'm very much a people person. Like, everyone I interact with. And, like, I want to know who you are. Like, I don't want to know your name and where you're from. And what your position is in cricket. I want to know your name, where you're from, your position in cricket, your daughter's name, how you got to cricket. Like, I want to know your story. I feel like every interaction I make, I want it to be personalized.

Like, I don't want things to be surface level. I know, like, everyone's not going to be as welcoming. Or, not welcoming. Everyone's not going to be as open as I am. But I want to create that safe and open space for you to get there. Like, if you're a little more reserved and a little more shy. Like, I know how to tone it down. Like, let me appeal to you. Like, how can I break through to you? You're an adapter. Yeah. Like, just meeting new people. Like, I love meeting new people. Like, I'm always like, oh, let me follow you on socials. Like, I love to keep up with people. Even if I met them once. Like, oh, I wonder what so-and-so's doing today. Or, like, I haven't seen them in a while.

Like, have they gotten a new job? Like, do they have a new dog? Yeah. I just care a lot. Like, I just have a big heart. And I really do care. I'm not, I mean, I'm nosy. But, like, I care. Like, I genuinely am like, are y'all good? Yeah. So, like, would you recommend the program, like, for other HBCU students? Like, to apply? Definitely. I already have. As soon as I joined the group chat, I was telling my friends. I was like, 'y'all, this is so awesome.' Like, I got to do this, this, and that. Like, and it's not like it's always work. Like, they make sure that we work, and then we also get to have fun on these trips. And I've been on trips where work, work, work, work, work, work.

And I understand business is business. But business doesn't go 24 hours. Yeah. I just like the flexibility we have to work all day and then a little bit of freedom to kind of just go, pull out on our own and explore Atlanta. Because, you know, a lot of people aren't from as close as where I'm from. I have the luxury of, you know, driving the two and a half hours to Atlanta. But we have people from Florida, Mississippi, all over North Carolina. So, I felt like that was really important. Because, you know, when you work, you don't always get to build bonds and connections with people. Yeah. So, the time that we did have, I was able to connect and build bonds. Other ambassadors. So, that really meant a lot to me.

I love that. So, our last question is presented by our sponsor, Cricket Wireless. So, shout out to Cricket, a proud supporter of HBCU culture and community. How has going to an HBCU influenced the person you are today? I love how you smiled when you heard the question. I just have a lot of different answers for this. I think my favorite is that. I feel like my HBCU. My HBCU gave me the reality check that I needed. Oh, I like that one. I always knew I was, like, a good person and I had a good heart. But the environment I was in at home did not reflect that person that I wanted to be at all times.

And I feel like being put in certain situations and having things not go my way really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really allowed me to look back and be like, this is not who I want to be. Like, why do you act like this? Why do you, why do you say these things? Why do you let little things become big things? Like, my HBCU has taught me to tackle problems head on and not pile them up and blow up. Yeah. Oh, no, I definitely agree with that. Like, 100%. Yeah. Yeah. Like, I want to say thank you so much. Like, I know I didn't get to comment about it, but I lost my dad when I was 15. He died. I'm the youngest of four.

And, like, I was in the middle of a soccer game, actually. And, like, our journeys are kind of the same in the sense of, like, I lost my identity. And, like, I really resonated when you said you, like, it wasn't real. Like, it didn't feel real. And you don't believe it can happen to you until it happens to you. So I definitely can relate to that experience of losing a parent. Like, it was hard. It was hard just seeing my mom have to go through all that and raise four kids on her own. Like, it was really hard for me to see. And then, like, I don't relate to where you had to hold the secret a little bit. But I was the only one that got to see my dad alive on that day.

So, like, I felt like I was holding a burden. So I definitely love that, like, we kind of relate in that sense. And it was just like, okay, like, I'm not alone. Like, it feels good to be, like, girl, like, we got each other. It feels good to relate to somebody. Even though it's on a traumatic level, I feel like I'm to the point where I can, I'm okay with talking about it. Like, emotions are still emotion. But, like, I don't keep it a secret or I don't bury it anymore. Yeah. I saw this quote where it was like, you can't heal from trauma unless you acknowledge it. And I was like, that is so real. So real. Thank you so much for joining us. And, like, shout out to Cricket Leah. Because, like, we met. We're locked in. Like, I am so grateful to have met you. And I'm so excited for people to hear your story. Listeners, thank you for tuning in. We've got tons more great guests. And we'll continue talking about HBCUs from all angles. So make sure you rate, review, and subscribe so you don't miss out on more episodes of Echoes of the Yard presented by Cricket Wireless. Thank you so much, Leah. Bye, y'all. Thank you for having me. Bye.