LEXINGTON, KY — FORMER KENTUCKY STARS NICK RICHARDS AND LEAH EDMOND CELEBRATE ARRIVAL OF NEW BABY
The Big Blue Nation has reason to smile once again — not because of a last-second shot at Rupp Arena or a championship banner raised in Memorial Coliseum, but for something far more heartfelt. This week, former Kentucky Wildcats standouts Nick Richards and Leah Edmond announced the arrival of their beautiful newborn baby, a moment that has touched the hearts of fans across the basketball and volleyball communities alike.
For the couple, who both left their marks as two of the most beloved athletes in UK history, this joyful chapter marks a new beginning far from the college courts where their love story first took shape. And for Kentucky fans, it’s a full-circle moment — seeing two Wildcat greats grow not just in their professional careers, but in family and life itself.
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FROM BIG BLUE LOVE STORY TO NEW PARENTS
Nick Richards and Leah Edmond’s paths first crossed in Lexington, where both emerged as stars in their respective programs. Richards, the 7-foot Jamaican-born center, became a cornerstone of John Calipari’s Kentucky basketball squad from 2017 to 2020. Known for his shot-blocking, energy, and humility, he was one of those players who earned admiration not only for his growth on the court but for the way he carried himself off it.
Leah Edmond, meanwhile, carved out her own legacy just across campus. A powerhouse outside hitter for Kentucky Volleyball, she helped redefine the program, leading the Wildcats to multiple SEC titles and earning All-American honors. Her intensity, leadership, and sheer athleticism made her one of the most decorated players in program history.
Their connection — two Kentucky stars representing different sports but sharing the same drive, work ethic, and faith — became one of Big Blue Nation’s favorite love stories. Through social media posts, campus sightings, and mutual support at each other’s games, the two quickly became a symbol of the Kentucky athletic family’s unity and bond.
Now, years later, that story has blossomed into something even more beautiful — the start of a family of their own.
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A BLESSING BEYOND BASKETBALL
This week, both Richards and Edmond shared the joyful news online with heartfelt photos and short messages of gratitude. Though the couple has always kept parts of their relationship private, the posts radiated pure happiness. “The biggest blessing of our lives has arrived,” Edmond wrote in one message, while Richards shared a simple but powerful caption: “Our little miracle.”
The post drew an outpouring of love from fellow athletes, fans, and even Kentucky coaches, past and present. “Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat,” one fan commented. “Watching these two grow from student-athletes into parents is incredible. Congratulations to the Richards family!”
Even Coach John Calipari, who coached Richards during his Kentucky years, reportedly reached out privately to congratulate his former player. “Nick was always about character and hard work,” Calipari said in a previous interview. “Whatever he does in life, you know he’s going to do it the right way.”
That same character now shines through as Richards takes on a new role — not as a center in the paint, but as a father.
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NICK RICHARDS: FROM LEXINGTON TO THE NBA SPOTLIGHT
After three seasons at Kentucky, Nick Richards entered the 2020 NBA Draft and was selected by the New Orleans Pelicans, later landing with the Charlotte Hornets. Over time, he grew from a developmental prospect into a reliable presence in the league — known for his rebounding, shot-blocking, and hustle.
In 2024, Richards was traded to the Phoenix Suns, joining a roster filled with talent and championship ambitions. The move was seen as a strong opportunity for the big man to continue developing his game under a competitive environment.
Balancing NBA travel, training, and now fatherhood won’t be easy, but those close to Richards say he’s built for it. “Nick’s one of the most disciplined people you’ll ever meet,” said a former Kentucky teammate. “He’s focused, grounded, and has a quiet strength about him. He’s going to be an amazing dad.”
As he continues his career in the NBA, Richards now has a new source of motivation waiting at home — a reminder that life’s biggest victories aren’t always on the scoreboard.
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LEAH EDMOND: STILL IN THE GAME, IN HER OWN WAY
After graduating from Kentucky, Leah Edmond transitioned from collegiate volleyball stardom into professional competition, becoming one of the most recognizable faces in American women’s volleyball. She’s competed in professional leagues and continues to inspire younger athletes through coaching clinics, advocacy, and mentorship.
While she may no longer wear Kentucky blue on the court, her connection to the university remains strong. In interviews, she often reflects fondly on her time in Lexington — calling it the place that shaped her both as an athlete and as a person.
Now, with motherhood added to her journey, Edmond’s story continues to inspire a generation of young female athletes balancing ambition with family life. Her journey is a reminder that identity extends beyond sport — that strength and grace can coexist, both on and off the court.
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BIG BLUE NATION CELEBRATES TOGETHER
The Kentucky community has always been known for its deep, emotional connection to former players. Once you’re a Wildcat, you’re family for life — and the flood of love for the Richards-Edmond family this week has proven that once again.
Social media has been filled with photos, throwbacks, and congratulatory posts from fans who watched both athletes during their college years. Some fans recalled the days when Richards would attend volleyball matches to cheer on Edmond, or when she returned the favor by sitting courtside at Rupp Arena.
“Those were such good memories,” one long-time fan wrote on Twitter. “Now to see them as parents — it’s beautiful. Kentucky will always be proud of them.”
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A NEW LEGACY IN THE MAKING
While details like the baby’s name and birth date have been kept private, those close to the couple describe this time as one of peace, joy, and reflection. Both Nick and Leah have expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from fans and teammates, but also emphasized that they’re savoring every quiet moment of parenthood together.
For the Kentucky faithful, their story represents something deeper than athletic success — it’s about growth, love, and legacy. From the roar of the Rupp Arena crowd to the gentle coos of a newborn, their journey has come full circle.
As one fan commented beautifully:
> “From Wildcats to world-class pros — and now, to proud parents. The Big Blue family just got a little bigger.”
And in a world that often measures success in stats and trophies, Nick Richards and Leah Edmond’s greatest victory yet is this one — a new life, a new beginning, and a reminder that the spirit of Kentucky pride extends far beyond the game itself.
