Kendall Patterson has been a mainstay on the pitch at First Presbyterian. She's been a 5-year varsity team member and a 3-year starter for the Lady Vikings.
Coach Josh Trieste says, "She's that player that often gets overlooked in the games. She's been a part of every team that's set a record for goals against in a season she's been a part of, including last season. We only gave up 5 goals. She started every game as center back."
Kendall covers a large part of the field during game time, and although not a big time scorer like a striker, her coach Josh Trieste feels her job is just as important.
He says, "You gotta go into a game knowing you're going to have 8 or 9 consistent players every game, and you can usually allot for one or two, and Kendall's never that player who has that off game."
Kendall Patterson says, "Well we're the backline pretty much and protect the goal and make sure no one gets by us."
When Kendall's not defending, she is attacking her studies in the classroom to the tune of a 3.6 GPA, and the soon-to-be graduate realizes what is priority in her life.
Kendall Patterson adds, "If you dedicate your time, grades will take you further than soccer will in my opinion. Soccer is very time consuming, but you learn how to prioritize."
And Coach Josh Trieste says, "She's going to Ole Miss next year. She's set her goals high for college and on the field. I'm proud of her, and she is a great representation of what we want our players to be here."
When asked about her most important day in her final year of high school Kendall said, "Playing for another championship, I'd pick that over graduation any day."
The way the Vikings are playing now, hopefully Kendall will have a chance to enjoy both.