PHC Zebras midfielder Kevin Richards is continuing to make a name for himself on the US college scene.

Richards, son of Bill and Pauline, was recently honoured with the Big East Conference Defender of the Week award after helping the University of Notre Dame improve their season record to 6-1-2.

It was the second time in as many seasons the Bermudian has received an award for excellence on the field of play.

"The conference (Big East) we compete in is one of the top two conferences here in the States and so it very tough,"explained Richards from Syracuse, New York yesterday.

"Right now I feel pretty good but my first year here was very challenging. It took a bit of time getting adjusted to the faster speed of play and the physical aspect. But I am now pretty much used to it."

Richards is in his final year at Notre Dame where he hopes to major in both English and Political Science. However, the right footed defender said he wouldn't hesitate for one moment to grasp the opportunity to play professionally.

"I would like to play professionally in England. But if I was to get drafted into the MLS (Major League Soccer) here, then I would definitely seize the opportunity," he said.

Richards, 21, last suited up for Zebras regularly during the 2001/02 season before departing for studies in the US.

"Each year soccer is getting bigger out here and we have also improved each year. And this year we've become a nationally known soccer team in our own right," he added.

"We have more fans coming out to our games and we are currently ranked higher than we've ever been before."

The Irish are ranked fourth overall in the nation and are fresh off back to back wins over Bradley (2-0) and Georgetown Universities (2-1) last weekend.

Richards and his team-mates are currently on the road for two matches. Notre Dame were due to to play Syracuse last night before taking on Pittsburgh on Sunday.