Patterson appreciates being an athlete at Union because of the opportunity it presents to be a Christian light to other schools.
“I chose Union because of the Christian community. I love knowing that the administrators, professors, and coaches have beliefs that are similar to mine. I also wanted to be challenged not just in my academics but my spiritual life as well,” said Patterson.
Patterson made an immediate impact as a freshman last year as she started in 17 games and scored seven goals on the season. She was also named National Christian College Athletic Association Athlete of the Week and made the NCCAA All-Region Team.
Patterson’s favorite pro athlete is Derrick Rose, not only because she is a Memphis fan, but because of his determination and love for the game.
Someone else who inspires Patterson is her mom, Adrienne.
“My mother inspires me daily. She is a great example of hard work. She has always encouraged me to do everything to the best of my ability and have a positive outlook on life even if it is a bad day,” said Patterson.
Off the field, Patterson is a member of Chi Omega, the Student Athlete Advisory Committee and Public Relations Student Society of America. Patterson also enjoys volunteering at the Regency Retirement Home in Jackson, going to concerts, hanging out with family and friends and discovering new shows on Netflix.
Patterson’s love for soccer stems from using it as an outlet for stress, but Patterson also enjoys the mental aspect of the game and getting into other player’s heads.
“I enjoy aggravating the defenders on the other team. I know I am annoying, but it is one way to get into the heads of other teams. Part of the game is mental, and if I am able to beat a player because of that I will use that tool,” said Patterson.
Will Donelson
Will Donelson, a sophomore chemistry major, biology minor, is a member of the men’s cross country team from McLeansboro, Ill.
Donelson has been running competitively since his freshman year of high school.
“I love the competition of running in a race. There is something about hundreds of people being in the same event that causes the pains of running to go away. Any runner can vouch for the fact that the adrenaline of a race can cause unexplained great performances that cannot be replicated in practice,” said Donelson.
Donelson also places a lot of emphasis on the hard work it takes to be a runner.
“One of my favorite things about my sport is how big of a role hard work plays. Natural talent helps, but like the saying goes: ‘Hard work beats talent if talent does not work hard.’ This phrase is exemplified in running,” Donelson added.
A quote that inspires and motivates Donelson is one by Henry Ford.
“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t, you’re right.”
“This quote is great for any sport as it places a lot of emphasis on will power. I know talent plays a big role in being a great athlete, but the faith and hard word behind the skill are equally, if not more, important,” said Donelson.
Something special Donelson appreciates about his team is the family mindset they possess.
“Everyone is great about encouraging one another. We also have great team chemistry between the guy’s and girl’s teams. We work together so well, I find it odd people consider us to be two different teams. To us, there is just one cross country team on campus,” Donelson said.
In 2013, Donelson was named to the Gulf South Conference Fall Academic Honor Roll.
