Rebecca Richter

BECKY RICHTER
PHS CLASS OF 1980

Becky Richter, Class of 1980, was the kind of athlete who simply showed up to play—no matter the sport, the competition, or who was on the field. Basketball, soccer, powderpuff football, or an impromptu game with girls or boys—if there was a game being played, Becky wanted to be part of it. She was serious about competition, fully present, and always brought a great sense of humor and joy to the experience. Smooth and agile are the superlatives that best describe Becky as an athlete. She was an exceptional shooter, an amazing pitcher with remarkable accuracy, and possessed an unusually high sports IQ whether she was on the court or the field. As a pitcher, her distinctive slingshot delivery allowed her to seemingly place the ball in any corner of the strike zone. She rarely struck out and was a force every time she stepped onto the field.

Becky's talents extended far beyond athletics. While competing in three varsity sports, she was also an extraordinary musician who could play no fewer than ten instruments and participated in musicals, bands, and orchestra. Her ability to excel at such a high level across athletics, music, and the performing arts reflected an exceptional combination of talent, discipline, intelligence, and determination. After graduating from Piedmont, Becky attended UC Berkeley, where she continued expanding her athletic repertoire by playing women's rugby. Throughout her athletic career, her versatility, competitiveness, and natural ability made her stand out among her peers. She made every team better and seemed to elevate every game she played.

But Becky's case for the PSHOF goes beyond statistics, All-League and Team MVP accomplishments, and athletic ability. She was also one of the early pioneers of women's sports—a young woman who demonstrated, simply by stepping onto the court or field and competing at the highest level, that girls belonged there. Other girls looked up to Becky, and her example helped pave the way for those who followed to find their own place in sports. Her combination of athletic intelligence, fearlessness, versatility, and willingness to compete in virtually any sport made her an exceptional athlete, while her example gave others permission to dream bigger and participate more fully. Becky Richter didn't just participate in sports—she helped expand what was possible for the girls who came after her.