BEAUMONT, Texas – After securing their second Southland title in three years, head coach Steve Holeman and the Cardinals took another step forward with one addition to the 2021 class. Grace Richards signed her NLI on Wednesday to continue her career at Lamar.

"We are excited that Grace will be joining us this fall," said head coach Steve Holeman. "She is one of the top players in this area and we are glad she decided to stay close to home.  Grace is an intelligent, hardworking player who continues to improve each time out. She is not only a great soccer player but a phenomenal person. We are all looking forward to her debut as a Lamar Cardinal."

Grace Richard – Midfield – Port Neches-Groves HS (Port Neches, TX)

A two-time first team all-district selection and a three-time all-academic selection, Grace Richard has lettered three times during her time at Port Neches-Groves High School. She has helped lead the Indians to three straight playoff appearances. Richard was also a member of the varsity track and field/cross country programs at PNG.

Richard maintained a 4.22 GPA on a 5.0 scale and is a National Honor Society member and has helped the youth leadership in Southeast Texas as she has served with The Youth Leadership of Southeast Texas since 2018.

Her athletic accomplishments are backed by time with the Houston Dynamo/Dash Soccer Club, where Richard has been playing since 2017 and recently got named vice-captain for her senior year. Along with the Dynamo/Dash, she has spent time with the US Olympic Development program, highlighted by being named an alternate for the 2003 South Region Team.

"I am very excited to see Grace get a chance to play at the next level," said Jose Alvarado, head coach of the Houston Dynamo/Dash Beaumont. "She is a great player with an unbelievable work ethic. Go Grace and Go Cardinals! Can wait to see what you do next season."