Richards Named Honda Inspiration Award Winner

NORMAN— Oklahoma soccer junior Jazzy Richards has been named the 2020 recipient of the Honda Inspiration Award, Chris Voelz of The Collegiate Women Sports Awards presented by Honda (CWSA) announced Thursday.

The Honda Inspiration Award is given to a deserving female student-athlete in Division I, II or III who has experienced extraordinary physical and/or emotional adversity, injury and/or illness, or experienced extraordinary personal sacrifice during her college enrollment as a student-athlete and yet returns to athletic success.

"I really appreciate even being considered for this award," said Richards. "To say it is an honor is an understatement. I'm extremely grateful, and also thankful to share this with my teammates, coaches, family, and doctors. Without them none of this would be possible."

"I was given an opportunity to have a second chance at life, and not many kids or people in general get that same chance." - Jazzy Richards

The three finalists and winner were chosen by the CWSA Inspiration Award committee. The other two finalists included Savannah Rennie (Cal, Volleyball) and Alexandra Watson (Texas, Rowing).

"We are all very proud and grateful for the recognition of Jazzy," said OU head coach Mark Carr. "Going through what she went through and showing that level of resilience, grit and determination to fight back is truly remarkable. This is a celebration for our whole OU soccer family."

Richards is a deserving recipient for the prestigious award. Her story is one of perseverance and resiliency.

In July 2018, Richards collided with another player. Despite not feeling much pain, a few days later, the incoming freshman discovered blood in her urine and told her athletic trainer. She was referred to a local hospital for scanning and tests and sent home the next day for a month of rest and no physical activity.

When her symptoms had not improved after a month, she was referred to a specialist who found a tumor in her bladder which was biopsied as malignant. Richards was the only known person in the world to be diagnosed with a brain tumor in her bladder.

There was no treatment protocol for this aggressive cancer and chemotherapy was not known to work for this type of cancer. Doctors presented two treatment options to Richards and her parents: monitor the tumor and, if it grows, remove the entire bladder or remove the bladder now. The family made the difficult decision to remove the bladder.

Six weeks after surgery Richards returned to campus cancer-free. In March 2019, she was cleared to resume training. In May, she returned to soccer and ultimately, played in all 19 games of the 2019 season, starting 10. Her first career goal came against rival Texas, just over a year after her journey had begun.

"A lot of times people receive similar news to me, but do not have as positive of an outcome like I have," continued Richards. "A few years ago I started to say "do what you can for those who cannot," and since this whole situation it has taken on a new meaning for me. "Those who cannot" are the reason for me to keep pushing on."

Richards is OU's first recipient of the Honda Inspiration Award in the award's 32-year history.

An Inspiration Award winner has been selected annually for over three decades and this year is no different. However, the CWSA's desire to recognize deserving honorees is balanced by the need for caution. Given the nationwide pandemic, the CWSA announced the cancellation of the 2020 Collegiate Women Sports Awards event in Los Angeles, but Richards will be invited to the 2021 45^th anniversary event next June. In addition, each of the 2020 finalists' stories will be highlighted along with those of the Class of 2021 finalists in an hour-long Honda Inspiration Award special on CBS Sports Network next year.

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