STAFF BIO:

Blaze Byrd joined the Richmond Strikers in December 2019, bringing a strong background in sports communications and a lifelong connection to the Richmond soccer community. A Richmond native and Richmond Kickers Youth alum, Blaze has remained deeply involved in the growth and development of the game locally.

Before joining the club, Blaze served as the Social Media Manager for ECNL, helping to elevate the league’s digital presence and storytelling on a national level. At Richmond United, Blaze plays a key role in shaping the club’s voice and highlighting the achievements of its players, teams, and community.

Blaze attended Virginia Wesleyan College, where she competed as a student-athlete for four years, and later continued her education through the VCU Center for Sport Leadership. In addition to their soccer background, Blaze has made a significant impact in the rugby community, previously serving as the Richmond Strikers Rugby Director and as President of James River Women’s Rugby & the Richmond Rugby Foundation.

A passionate supporter of the game, Blaze cites Michelle Akers as her favorite player of all time. Outside of sports, Blaze enjoys photography and brings that creative eye into their work capturing the Richmond United experience.