NAOTB: Hattie Patterson
Each week, 12thMan.com checks in with a newcomer on the Texas A&M soccer team.
This week, we chatted with Hattie Patterson. The Dallas product joins the Aggies after two seasons with SEC foe Ole Miss.
The Aggies are going to have a whole new back line for 2025. What can fans expect from this new group?
So far from practices, I think we all get along first of all. But then I think we're just continuing to build on that chemistry with each other. I think it kind of helps that we're all new because we're all building that trust with each other at the same time and building that foundation. Coach Strader being new - he's so defensive-minded. The way he focuses on us and helps us every day is really making us a cohesive unit.
As a defensive unit, what have the coaches been working on with you early in the spring practices?
It's a lot on the communication side of the game. We're all new. We have to get that level of confidence with each other as well as the rest of the team. But being in the back, we are kind of the eyes of the team. It's a lot on the communication right now and moving together. We kind of have to have the same mind.
What do you bring to the team as your strengths?
I think my confidence is one. I'm working a lot more on being that aggressive player. I think my ability to play out of the back is one of my biggest strengths. I had been playing a center back role, but they've shifted me more of an outside back now. I think getting into the attack will be so exciting and I'm ready for that.
What made you decide you really want to play at Texas A&M?
There were so many things that made A&M the perfect fit for me. First being from the Dallas area, I wanted to move a little closer to home. I love my family and wanted to be in good driving distance from them. Then, Coach G has just built this program to be so impressive and outstanding in the SEC and I wanted to be a part of that. Also there are so many girls on the team that I've played with or knew, so the comfortability factor there.
Out of all the transfers, your'e the only one with SEC experience. What have you told the others about the SEC?
The SEC is so physical and such an athletic game. It's fast moving so there's definitely going to be a learning curve as we start these spring games. The game is so fast-moving and face-paced. The thing I love the most about the SEC is that every single game is competitive. There's not that one team that's ever an off game or an off day. You have to show up every single day with the same mindset and aggressiveness.
You're from the DFW area. How helpfully has being around some familiar faces been in this process?
It's a lot of the reason I'm here. For sure it was one of the signs A&M was such a perfect fit for me. The Emmas (Hoang & Yolinsky) played a lot of club soccer with me. I went high school with Quinn (Cornog). I played a lot of soccer against Bella (James) and Kat (Campbell). There's a lot of pieces that made me feel so comfortable here from the beginning.
What was it like experiencing Ellis Field from the other side playing with Ole Miss?
It was absolutely my favorite game. Being from Dallas and having my family so close by, I loved that aspect. But then the way the stadium has seats on a four sides. I really don't think there is another stadium. It was so fun.
How excited are you to experience Ellis Field in the Maroon & White?
That was another big reason why I am here. The atmosphere here is so special and unique.
A couple months into it, what are your thoughts on Aggieland?
So far it has exceeded all my expectations. I came here mainly for soccer, but even outside of soccer, the traditions part of A&M and just how big and better everything is hear, everything has been great.
Academically how has the adjustment been for you?
It's definitely a learning curve. Every school is different. But if you stay very focused on your academics and maintain that mindset of keeping good grades a high priority it goes smoother. I'm loving it. I'm majoring in accounting, so I'm a part of the Mays Business School and I've loved it.
You mentioned moving to outside back has got you into the attack more. Is that something you enjoy?
For sure. At my previous school we played more of a three-back. I would say we were playing with three center backs and no outside backs, so I really didn't have that much freedom to go forward like I do here. I would say one of my strengths is getting forward and joining the attack, so I'm really excited about having the ability to do something.
Talk more about what Coach Strader has done to develop the back line.
I'm so thankful for him and how he came in and immediately set the focus on us. He's teaching us to communicate with each other. He has us focused on having the same mind with each other and all moving together.
How is the culture of this team coming along?
I think the beautiful thing about the team we have is we view each others as equal and we all have the same relationships with each other no matter the class or what the age. The older girls and the girls that have been here longer than me have provided so much wisdom about A&M. At the same time, the younger girls bring in so much energy and newness. We just have a great culture.
You played basketball and ran track as well as playing soccer as a youth. Besides those three, what is the one sport you'd really like to be good at?
That's easy. I think about this all the time. I would 1000% choose tennis. After my soccer days are done I will be playing tennis for sure. I've grown a love for pickle ball the last couple years, but I know I'll love tennis.
