The Women’s Game is an exclusive editorial series written by writer, broadcaster, and former college and pro soccer player Renee Washington for BrooklynFootballClub.com. Each week, Renee goes behind the scenes with Brooklyn FC Women, giving unique insights into the squad and sharing stories of the people behind the crest.
In many ways, you could say Jackie Richards’ sports-filled childhood in Reading, Pennsylvania, was conventional for a professional athlete. She grew up playing multiple sports, soccer, basketball, track, tennis, softball, lacrosse, and more.
Eventually, though, soccer became her focus. And there’s where her path to the pros veered into uncharted territories.
“My journey didn’t necessarily follow the traditional route,” Richards says. “I didn’t play on an ECNL team, transferred twice in five years. Even then, it doesn’t mean the opportunity wasn’t there.”
The outside back played collegiately at Campbell University and then at Villanova University. Upon graduation, she embarked on her professional journey overseas in the summer of 2024, when she signed with Heart of Midlothian in Scotland. It wasn’t how she might have imagined it, but the experience provided her with valuable insight that she still carries with her today.
“I think the biggest part of growing as a player is to genuinely enjoy the process while you’re doing it,” Richards says. “It’s easy to get caught up in comparing your journey to those around you, or feeling like you have to follow a certain path to reach your goals.
“I hope young players can take away that there isn’t one path to the professional level. You don’t have to come from the biggest club, play in the biggest league, or attend a Power 5 school for your dreams to be possible. What matters is continuing to work, taking advantage of what’s in front of you, and believing in yourself.”
More Than a Footballer
That belief was tested when she suffered a major injury in March 2025. A second metatarsal stress fracture derailed Richards first season with Hearts and ended up sidelining her for roughly a year.
“The hardest part of that period was that it was never a straightforward path,” Richards recalls. “I dealt with many flare-ups, uncertainty, and some days felt so defeating. Every time I felt like I was getting closer to returning, something else seemed to slow the process down. The uncertainty was difficult, especially when football has been such a big part of my life.”
The physical recovery challenged Richards in new ways.
“Looking back, I think it also taught me a lot about resilience and patience,” Richards says. “I had to learn how to keep moving forward even when things weren’t going to plan. I couldn’t control the setbacks, yet I could control how I responded.
“It also gave me the opportunity to learn more about myself away from the field. When football is such a huge part of your identity, having it taken away forces you to reflect on who you are outside of the game. I’ve discovered so much about what I enjoy, what matters to me, and the kind of person I want to be. It reminded me that I’m more than just a footballer.”
Making an Impact Beyond the Game
Being away from the game also helped Richards discover more about the impact she hopes to make beyond soccer. She has taken a keen interest in healthcare and youth development.
“Health care is something that interests me because it gives you the opportunity to directly help and support people through important moments of their lives,” Richards says. “I’m also passionate about youth development and getting more people on the ball. Soccer has given me so much throughout my life, and I would love to give back to the game by helping create environments where people of all ages and levels can play, develop, and enjoy the sport.”
More specifically, breast cancer awareness carries a deeply personal connection for Richards and her family. Their longtime friend and neighbor, Rachel Benning, died from breast cancer. Richards shared that Benning’s husband and two sons are like family. Each summer, Benning’s family hosts the annual Fight B.A.C.K. cornhole tournament to honor Rachel and raise money for breast cancer research.
“It’s a way to honor Rachel and others who have lost their lives to breast cancer, while also bringing people together and supporting an important cause,” Richards said.
A New Chapter in Brooklyn
After navigating different schools, countries, injuries and opportunities throughout her career, the 25-year-old Richards is now writing her next chapter in Brooklyn. She joined Brooklyn FC this season and is enjoying meeting new people and helping make Brooklyn FC better while continuing to explore new places and experiences along the way.
General Manager Samantha Johnson has already taken notice of what Richards brings to the backline.
“Jackie has such a presence on the pitch,” Johnson says. “She brings a sense of confidence and calm to the backline. I am very intrigued by her ability to adapt and focus to get the job done. I look forward to developing a player like her.”
DID YOU KNOW?
When Richards signed with Hearts, she met her Scottish cousins for the first time, and one cousin’s favorite number was 23. So she chose the #23 shirt with Hearts, and has stuck with it in Brooklyn as a way to honor that family connection.
Also, when she’s away from soccer, Richards plays the saxophone — a hidden talent she’s happy to laugh about. 🎷
Up Next: Brooklyn FC vs. Ft. Lauderdale United
Richards and Brooklyn FC Women return to action October 2 at home against Ft. Lauderdale United as the team looks to turn rebound from last weekend’s loss to Carolina Ascent. The match before, the side earned its first win of the season.
“The biggest positive I can point to is the improvement the team has made over a relatively short period of time,” Head Coach Alex Smith says. “I thought our last performance deserved at least a point and the team is really starting to understand the new way of doing things.”
