WALNUT CREEK – Chico State women’s basketball player Melissa Richardson excels in the classroom as well as the court – and her accomplishments have officially been recognized on a national level. The senior from Issaquah, Wash. has been named to the 2009-10 ESPN The Magazine District 8 All-Academic Women’s Basketball Team, it was announced Thursday.

Richardson, the Wildcats’ second-leading scorer and top 3-point shooter, was among five players included on the District 8 All-Academic second team. Two other California Collegiate Athletic Assocation (CCAA) players joined Richardson in being honored – Reyana Colson of Cal Poly Pomona was named to the District 8 All-Academic first team, while teammate Stephisha Walton was a second team selection.

To be nominated, a student-athlete must be a starter or important reserve with at least a 3.30 cumulative grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) at his/her current institution. The nominee must also have completed one full calendar year at his/her current institution and reached sophomore athletic eligibility.

Nominations and voting for the All-America programs are conducted by members of the College Sports Information Directors of America. Three Academic All-District teams are chosen in each district, with those on the All-District first teams placed on the national ballot for Academic All-America consideration.