South Carolina State University interim Athletics Director Oliver "Buddy" Pough announced the appointment of
Andrew Richardson as the new head women's soccer coach.
Richardson brings nearly two decades of coaching experience to Orangeburg, having most recently served two years as an assistant coach for both the men's and women's soccer programs at Columbia College.
A Columbia, South Carolina, native, Richardson has coached at the club, high school and collegiate levels, and has worked with the South Carolina Olympic Development Program. He began his coaching career in 2008 after a career-ending injury halted his time as a player, during which he trained under notable coaches Kevin Heise and Mark Berson.
From 2008 to 2011, Richardson served as an assistant coach at Cardinal Newman School in Columbia, helping lead the team to the 2011 SCISA AAA state championship and a top-30 national ranking. He then took over as head boys' soccer coach at Heathwood Hall Episcopal School, earning three Region Coach of the Year honors, two SCISA North-South All-Star coaching selections, and the 2016 NSCAA State Coach of the Year award.
Under Richardson's leadership, Heathwood Hall advanced to 11 SCISA state quarterfinals, six state semifinals, and made a state championship appearance in 2016. His players included five NSCAA/United Soccer Coaches Scholar All-Americans, three SCISA Goalkeepers of the Year, and a NSCAA All-South Region selection.
From 2008 to 2015, he also coached with South Carolina United FC and served as technical director for Congaree Rapid FC.
In 2023, Richardson was selected national chair of the Black Soccer Coaches group within United Soccer Coaches, leading programming and professional development efforts during his 18-month term.
He co-founded Soda City FC in Columbia in 2018 and served as general manager for the club's UPSL men's team through 2020. From 2023 to 2025, he worked as goalkeeper coach for the Soda City FC women's WPSL team.
Richardson holds United Soccer Coaches' Advanced National and National Diplomas, along with a diploma in Opposition and Scouting Analysis from the Association of Professional Football Analysis.
Beyond coaching, he founded a digital media company, The VIII Group, in 2021, with clients including Adidas, US Club Soccer, and the A'ja Wilson Foundation.
Richardson resides in Columbia with his wife, Dr. Danae Kunselman, and their son, Callum.
What They're Saying
"
Andrew Richardson will bring talent and enthusiasm to the South Carolina State Women's Soccer program. He has a bright mind for the game and is an enthusiastic teacher. He's been successful at every challenge in his coaching career. He's the type of coach you want to play for and learn from."
—
Mark Berson, Former Head Men's Soccer Coach, University of South Carolina; United Soccer Coaches Hall of Fame Inductee
"Andrew is a proven winner. His passion, innovation, and commitment to excellence is not only visible but is a tangibly contagious characteristic present in every environment he steps into. His community-first approach helps to elevate team dynamics and overall culture. South Carolina State just hit the jackpot!"
—
Marsha Harper, Head Women's Soccer Coach, American University
"Andrew made a huge impact on our program from day one. His attention to detail, tactical acumen, and versatility allowed him to impact our program in a variety of ways and I have no doubt he will be incredibly successful at S.C. State."
—
Robert Hunter, Head Women's Soccer Coach, Columbia College
"Andrew is the perfect fit for SC State. He will work tirelessly to promote the game, the school, and the program to no end. He will find the best young ladies to represent SC State that are out there, and he will do so with great energy, enthusiasm, and pride."
—
Will Eudy, Head Boys Soccer Coach, Cardinal Newman School; 2024 United Soccer Coaches National HS Coach of the Year
