The Indianapolis Twisters’ inaugural 1996 season was filled with uncertainty, resilience, and unforgettable personalities. One of those players was Beronie Richardson, a second-year pro who went from unheralded expansion draftee to starter during a season that demanded toughness on and off the field.
In the latest episode of my monthly live stream/podcast about the Twisters, Beronie shared the remarkable story of how he went from blocking shots in the CISL to building a career centered on care, prevention, and long-term impact as a physician in Southern California.
A Standout Before Indy
Before arriving in Indianapolis, Beronie built an impressive résumé:
- Three-time all-conference and two-time all-state at Windsor High School (CT)
- Four-year player at Notre Dame (1991–1994), helping the Irish reach the NCAA Tournament twice
- Impressed at a tryout in 1995 and signed with the CISL’s Detroit Neon
Selected in the 1996 CISL Expansion Draft, Beronie became one of the most reliable pieces of the Twisters’ first squad. He appeared in 27 of 28 games, started down the stretch, scored two goals, added six assists, and led the team with 39 blocked shots — a testament to his defensive commitment and team-first mentality.
But perhaps the most compelling part of Beronie’s story is what happened next. After his time in professional soccer, he stepped away from the game at just 23 years old to pursue medicine — a path that ultimately led him to a rewarding career as a physician who builds long-term partnerships with patients and focuses on preventive care, with the same disciplined, forward-thinking mindset he brought to the indoor game.
Check out the video below, or the audio below that.
