Junior softball player Alli Richmond has always appreciated the role of family in her life.
Originally from nearby Horseheads, New York. She and her older sister Jenna played high school ball together and each went on to Division I programs. While Ali stayed local in the Binghamton area, Jenna heads to the University of Buffalo. The support they both received from their parents during their careers has been tremendous.
At Binghamton, meanwhile, Richmond found a second family in the Binghamton softball program. In her sophomore year, she was named a team captain. Off the field, Richmond was inducted into the National College Athlete Honor Society last spring. By the time March 2020 rolled around, she had more than found her way at Binghamton University.
Nothing could have prepared Richmond, her sister and her teammates for having their 2020 seasons halted last March 12. All of their lives were thrown into uncertainty as the nation began to lock down. What helped sustain her through those uncertain times was the support from her family at home and her family on campus.
Richmond and the rest of the Bearcats are back on campus and are starting to get back on the field this month. Still, the bonds she has with her family at home and her softball family in Binghamton remain as strong as ever.
What has it been like to be back on campus following the sixth months since the COVID-19 shutdown?
Although much different, being back on campus and having the opportunity to spend time with some of my teammates again makes me so happy. I missed them so much and I missed Binghamton. Binghamton does, and will always hold a special place in my heart so being able to be back with my best friends is awesome. With that being said, it has been difficult to keep our distance from each other and not interact as we are used to. But I understand that the safety guidelines set to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by both Binghamton University and the Athletic Department are necessary. We all have the common goal of staying healthy and getting back on the field to do what we love. I want to thank everyone at Binghamton University for their efforts in putting the safety of all staff and students first while providing us the opportunity to be back on campus.
How have you and your teammates managed to stay in touch during the past six months?
Although we could not see each other for the past 6 months, we made it a priority to stay in touch and check in on each other because that's what families do. We had a zoom meeting almost every week following being sent home. We would often go around to check in on everyone and just having the opportunity to "see" everyone and hear from them always put a smile on my face. We did some fun group challenges with each other as well including cooking, lip syncing, and coming up with creative ways to work out. I personally had a lot of FaceTimes with my teammates and was constantly texting people to catch up and check in. The support from our coaching staff was incredible as well from the moment we got home to the moment we came back. They were constantly checking in on us mentally and physically and offered support in any way possible.
How have you been able to keep in shape during this transitional period?
During this transitional period, I have worked really hard to stay in shape so that when we do return to athletic activity my body will be ready. Lifting and practicing was always my escape for the day. No matter what type of day I was having, when I walked into the weight room or onto the field my outside stressors were no longer relevant. I was able to go to the field a lot with my sister and my dad during my time at home, but with the gyms in NY state being closed during the entirety of my time at home, I knew I would have to find new ways to stay in shape. I started running a lot which I have grown to love. Being at home for so long, it served as a great way to get me moving, clear my head, and stay in shape. I also did a lot of HIIT workouts and some dumbbell stuff with what I had available to me. Since coming back to Binghamton, I have been running at the track a lot and throughout campus. I cannot wait to get started again with the team.
How much closer do you think the Binghamton softball team has become during this six-month stretch?
When you go through the heartbreaking experience that we and so many others did in missing our season and being sent home, it brings you closer to those that can relate exactly to what you are going through. Having each other to lean on throughout the quarantine and entire summer definitely brought us closer together. After losing something, it is a wake-up call in seeing how special it was and how much it meant to you. I think because of this, when we do return to the field and are able to be together as a team, we will never take a moment on the field or with each other for granted and will appreciate each other more than ever.
You have an older sister Jenna playing at Buffalo. She obviously went through the same process you did last year. How much did you lean on each other to get through the time of uncertainty?
Having Jenna by my side throughout this experience has been a gift. She has always been my best friend but her being able to understand the emotional impact of being sent home from school, our friends, and the sport we love connected us even more. We have had a lot of conversations about staying positive and staying motivated while home and worked hard to push each other. Although we both realize that there is still a lot of uncertainty about the future, we agree that the one thing we can control is working every day to better ourselves mentally and physically. I know that she is someone I can talk to about anything. We talk almost everyday while we are at school and I know I can always count on her to tell me what I need to hear. It is extremely nice having someone going through similar experiences because every struggle
I face she most likely has too or at least understands on a personal level.
You obviously spend a lot of time at home with your family during the spring. How close did you all become? Any interesting things that you did together during that stretch?
I have always been extremely close with my family so being able to have that extra time with them in the Spring was one positive of this whole situation. My family is so important to me and anytime I get to spend with them I thoroughly enjoy. We are a very active and extremely busy family and I think we had the most consecutive family dinners we have ever had during that stretch. With so much uncertainty in the world and so many things changing, the support and love I receive from my family I know is something that will always be constant and that I can count on. Despite the circumstances, we had so much fun together over the last few months. We didn't really do any extravagant things, but just being able to spend quality time together was more than enough for me. We had lots of movie nights, game nights, fires, and family hikes. Since being back as school I miss them a lot, but our family group chat is very active throughout the day which makes me happy and entertained.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, how did your parents manage to make as many of your games at Binghamton and Jenna's games at Buffalo?
My parents are the best and make every effort possible make it to as many of our games as possible. All throughout high school and travel ball, I cannot remember a game they weren't at. Being in college it's the same, except they split time between Jenna and I. If they're not at my game they're at Jenna's and vice versa. They always stick together and make their own softball traveling schedule once both our schedules have been posted. No matter where we are, they get there. Being able to see them in the stands and have their constant support means the world to me and I appreciate them more than they know.
Going back two years, what made you decide to come to Binghamton?
Growing up in Horseheads, an hour away, I always knew that Binghamton was a prestigious school both academically and athletically. When it became a possible option for me to both play softball and pursue my undergraduate degree at Binghamton, I was ecstatic. Having come to camps and a few games throughout high school, I knew the mission and atmosphere of the team and coaching staff was one that aligned with my goals and values and that I wanted to be a part of. I loved the athletic facilities and field and felt so comfortable when being on campus. It just seemed like a place I really wanted to be and could easily see myself at. I love the distance from home and the size of the campus. I believe everything happens for a reason and I could not be happier with my decision to come to Binghamton. I have made some of my best friends here, am receiving an amazing education, and am able to play the sport I love on an amazing field in a great community.
Is there a favorite game that you have been a part of during your time at Binghamton that stands out as being the most memorable?
In my opinion, this is a difficult question because there have been a countless number of memorable moments for our team since I came to Binghamton. One of my favorites was the run we had in the conference tournament my freshman year. The way we were all able to come together and truly play for each other was amazing and the amount of fun we had during those games was unmeasurable. With that being said, having the opportunity to play at Texas A&M and Auburn this past year was something I will never forget.
How has Coach Johnston and your staff helped you improve as a player during your time her so far?
Coach Johnston, Coach Bump, and Coach Syd have all helped me improve immensely since the first time I stepped onto the field at Binghamton. Overall, I feel that I am a much stronger player. I feel faster, stronger, and more explosive. They have also helped a lot with more technical things, and I have definitely been able to see and feel the improvements they have helped me make. They put in so much time and are so dedicated to helping us succeed and be the best we can be. They are so involved and go above and beyond, and I am so grateful to be able to learn from them.
You were inducted into the National College Athlete Honor Society last spring. How have you managed to balance your athletics and academics as well as you have?
Balancing playing a Division 1 sport while double majoring definitely has its challenges, but I wouldn't change a thing. One thing that I think helps me a lot is that I am not a procrastinator. Having such a busy schedule is a good thing because it doesn't really leave much time to procrastinate. Anytime I have something to do, I do it at the first available time I can and check it off my list. I also work really hard to focus on what I am doing at the moment. If I am at practice, my head is 100% there, but if I am in class that is where my head is. Somedays this is harder than others, but being able to do this helps me be more efficient. I have always believed in putting 100% effort into everything that I do. I think that if someone truly has a great work ethic, it's not something they can turn on and off in different aspects of their life. It also is very helpful to be surrounded by my teammates who are all working to be the best they can be in both school and athletics.
You are majoring in math and economics. What do you envision yourself doing after you earn those degrees and graduate from Binghamton?
My career goal right now is to become an Actuary, but in the love I have for sports, math, and statistics, I think a career in sports stats would be extremely cool as well. I am very interested in problem solving and applying statistics and large data to everyday circumstances. I am open minded to any opportunity that comes my way and cannot wait to see what the future holds. Most importantly I want to have a career that makes an impact, which is also why I would love to have the opportunity to coach someday. I would love to be able to help athletes reach their goals, inspire them, teach, and stay connected to the game that has given me so much.
Away from classes and softball, what hobbies or interests do you have that we may not know about?
Apart from school and softball, I enjoy a lot of things. Most importantly, I love spending time with friends and family. I am so grateful for all of the genuine people in my life and spending time with them is one of my favorite things to do. I also love bike riding. I got into it about 2 years ago and often go on 20-30-mile rides with my dad and sister. I enjoy golfing and watching Shark Tank as well. My dad played college golf and has been helping me improve. We played a decent amount during my time at home. I find Shark Tank very interesting and I record every episode on my TV and always turn it on when I do not know what else to watch.
You mentioned your dad playing college golf. Did that give him a greater amount of empathy for you and your sister in having your college seasons canceled last spring?
My dad having played a college sport definitely empathized with our situation. He understands how much time and effort goes into playing a college sport. Still, both of my parents were equally understanding of what I was going through. They were always checking in on me while home because they know how much I love Binghamton and softball and all of my friends. They empathized with my sister and I so much and always make it known that they're there for us in absolutely any way possible. Since being back, that constant support has not changed at all.
How do you feel you have grown as a person since you first arrived on campus?
I feel that a lot has changed for me since I first arrived on campus. From the conversations I've had and the people I've met, I feel that I have grown so much and have been able to really focus in on the type of person I want to be and the things I value. I have met so many people who are so different than me which has really helped me view some things with a new perspective. It is also crazy to think that before I arrived on campus, I didn't even know some of the people that are now amazing friends and so important in my life. I have learned so much from my friends at Binghamton and am continuously learning from them. I believe that the people you choose to associate yourself with and spend the most time around have a large impact on you. Fortunately, I know that my family here at Binghamton is constantly making me a better person and helping me grow.