Cornelius E. Richardson Sr. joined Polk State as Associate Head Coach of men’s basketball prior to the 2026–27 season. A St. Petersburg native, U.S. Army combat veteran, and high-energy global sport leader, he approaches coaching as stewardship, building people through faith, sport, and servant leadership. He emphasizes student-athlete development, academic achievement, accountability, autonomy, and self-efficacy.
Richardson coached alongside Head Coach Marreese Speights at Northside Christian School during the 2025–26 season, helping the program reach its first state semifinal. He previously served as an assistant women’s basketball coach at Webber International University and Hillsborough College.
As head girls basketball coach at Lennard High School, Richardson led the program to its first regional final. His team’s disruptive defense led the nation in steals, alongside a program-best team grade-point average, and a school-record 18 wins.
Richardson holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Psychology and Sport Psychology, respectively, from Capella University, an Master of Business Administration in Sports Business Management from Webber International University, and a Doctor of Ministry in Youth and Family Ministry from South College. He is pursuing a Doctor of Education in Global Sport Leadership at East Tennessee State University.
His philosophy, “champions are comfortable being uncomfortable,” challenges student-athletes to embrace growth through adversity.
Richardson and his wife, Brianna, share a family of 10 children: Aviyon, Kingsley, Amaya, Ryleigh, Amir, Kairo, Kijani, Cornelius Jr., and twins Kyon and Kynzi. Their oldest son, Aviyon Smith-Mack, plays football at Sam Houston State University.
