Alabama Signs Former Long Beach State Forward Mykelle Richards
5/31/2026 3:34:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Richards will join the Crimson Tide for the 2026-27 season
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Alabama head coach Pauline Love announced the addition of Mykelle Richards to the women's basketball program on Wednesday.
The Crimson Tide will welcome San Bernardino, Calif., native to the upcoming 2026-27 squad after spending two seasons at Long Beach State.
Head Coach Pauline Love Comments
"Mykelle is the kind of player every coach loves to have on their team. She plays with energy, toughness and an edge that shows up every possession. Her versatility, defensive instincts and commitment to winning make her a perfect fit for the culture we're building at Alabama. We believe her best basketball is still ahead and we will continue this staff's commitment to the development of a player and person here in Tuscaloosa."
Mykelle Richards | So. | 6-1 | Forward | San Bernardino, Calif. | Long Beach State
- Medically redshirted during the 2025-26 campaign
- Appeared in 27 games in 2024-25, making 20 starts as a true freshman
- Averaged 7.7 points per game and 4.2 rebounds per game
- Shot 86-of-180 (48 percent) from the field and 32-of-64 (50 percent) from the free throw line
- Tallied a team-high 49 steals along with 118 rebounds and 14 blocks
- Collected career-highs in points (21), rebounds (9), steals (7) and field goals made (10) to lead Long Beach State to a 122-49 victory over Bethesda (Dec. 20, 2024)
- Named Big West All-Freshman Team (2024-25)
- Played at Etiwanda High School (2021-23) and Cajon High School (2019-21)
- Averaged 15.8 points and 9.8 rebounds per game at Etiwanda during the 2022-23 season while playing with USC standout Kennedy Smith
- Earned three championship titles while at EHS, including 2023 Baseline League Championship, 2023 Section 7 Championship and the CIF Open Division State Championship
- Selected as an All-Baseline League Second Team honoree and as a member of the Cal-Hi Girls Basketball State Team of the Year (2023)
- Aided in the Eagles' three tournament titles as they won the 2022 West Coast Jamboree, Troy Classic Tournament and the Battle at the Beach Tournament
- Averaged 13.7 points per game, 9.8 rebounds per game and 2.3 steals per game during the 2021-22 campaign at Cajon High School
- Named 2021 Female Athlete of the Year during her sophomore year at CHS
- Two-time All-Citrus Belt League First Team selection
- Helped the Cowboys to the 2021 CBL Championship title
- Selected to the All-CIF 2AA First Team (2021)
