Vermont's Utterback, Richason announce return for fifth season with Catamounts
The duo from Indiana who initially committed to the University of Vermont women's basketball team on back-to-back days took Friday to release joint statements: They are returning to Burlington for one more year.
America East all-league players Emma Utterback and Delaney Richason will use their extra year of eligibility from the COVID season to remain with the Catamounts for the 2023-24 campaign. The team's official Twitter account announced Utterback and Richason's decisions to return in a detailed post on Friday.
"I first and foremost want to thank God for blessing me with amazing teammates, coaching staff, and fan base that has made my last 4 years at UVM so special. (Five) years ago when I committed to UVM, I couldn't have dreamed of the memories and experiences that I would accumulate over my time here," Utterback said in the statement. "The culture and program that I am blessed to be a part of is something special, something I am not quite ready to let go of just yet.
"With that being said, I am honored to say that I will be staying at the University of Vermont for my 5th year."
More:March Madness: Coverage of UVM basketball teams in the 2023 NCAA Tournament
Richason offered up similar words.
"UVM has given me more than I could ever imagine over the past (four) years and for that I am forever grateful. From teammates who are like sisters, supportive coaches, the best fans and the memories I share with everyone in Catamount Country, I couldn't think of a better place to be," Richason wrote.
"With that being said, Year 5 is just around the corner, and I will be back. This is the easiest decision I have ever made."
𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲’𝐫𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤!! 💛🤝💚 pic.twitter.com/47Jf1GxAQC
— UVM Women's Basketball (@UVMwbb) March 24, 2023
Utterback and Richason helped the Catamounts (25-7) reach the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 13 years. Vermont, which fell to UConn in the opening round of March Madness, also seized the program's first America East regular-season championship in 21 years.
The Catamounts clinched the league tournament crown at Patrick Gym, outlasting Albany 38-36. Utterback was named the tournament's most outstanding player.
More:'I knew she was special': Coach Kresge leads Vermont into America East title game
For the season, Utterback averaged 14.4 points, 3.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game to land on the league's first team. Richason, a third-team selection, averaged 9.0 ppg, 4.3 rpg and 1.4 apg while shooting 37.9% on her 3-point attempts. The duo have started in each of Vermont's 99 games since they arrived on campus in 2019.
Vermont is expected to return all five of its starters for next season, barring any players entering the transfer portal.
Contact Alex Abrami at aabrami@freepressmedia.com. Follow him on Twitter: @aabrami5.
This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: Vermont women's basketball: Utterback, Richason returning for 5th year
