All-Time Leading Basketball Scorer Jersey Retired

POUGHKEEPSIE – Stepping inside Poughkeepsie High School’s gym Monday afternoon, no singular moment came to Terraya Richardson’s mind; it was more a theme that embodied her years playing basketball for the Blue-and-White.

“All the times I fell on the ground from getting fouled and making the shot,” she said of her memories in the gym. “I’ve been on that floor for a very long time.”

Now, she’ll spend even more time up on the wall.

On Monday, the athletics department officially retired the No. 10 jersey Richardson wore throughout a career in which she scored 1,888 points, the most in school history for any basketball player.

The 1999 Poughkeepsie graduate was presented two framed jerseys during a ceremony before the girls basketball team hosted Horace Greeley. Her number will also be permanently displayed on a wall in the building.

Peter Bianco, executive director of physical education, health services, athletics and recreation, said his department plans to honor a different Pioneer from the past each year to shine a light on the school’s rich tradition of athletics, though every honoree may not rise to the level of having their jersey retired.

Richardson’s exploits, which included being named All-State and All-Section 1 five times, certainly met that standard. “It’s well worth the two knee replacements and the permanent limp,” she said of the honor. “I worked hard for it.” As a senior, she enjoyed what then-coach Tom Bell called “the best game of her career” to reach the Section 1, Class A semifinals, registering 34 points, nine rebounds, nine assists and five steals.

Through her efforts at Poughkeepsie, she earned a scholarship to play Division I basketball for Saint Joseph’s in Philadelphia. “This is the place that paved the way for me,” she said of Poughkeepsie High School. She remains a local resident and now works with the Anderson Center for Autism.

Many in the crowd Monday were former teammates or teachers. Bell couldn’t make it to the ceremony but sent in remarks that were read before Richardson delivered a speech in which she spoke of being bullied as a child for being an athletically minded girl. She credited her mom for encouraging her to embrace her talents. Afterward, she said she hoped young girls may be inspired by her story. “Maybe it will make an impact on future girls to know, don’t worry what people call you or bully you. Do what you got to do.”