Patterson and her teammates efforts paid off this year with a Division I Nonselect State Championship.
In addition to basketball, Patterson was busy during her four-year career, participating in Beta and Key clubs where she gave back to the community through fundraising events and working at food banks and the farmers market.
In her essay, Patterson reflected on learning by example to “hold my teammates accountable, push them to be there best and motivate my teammates on and off the court.”
She believes that this experience will in the future help her “become a more confident and proactive leader.”
Patterson also reflected on the value of practice where habits like “constant improvement and rigorous effort” she can look back on as she starts her life after high school.
Other things Patterson keyed into for future success were opportunities at Zachary High where she learned to communicate effectively — including listening to others — contribute to collective goals, and maintain a positive and resilient attitude.
“Whether facing a tough loss or dealing with setbacks, basketball has shown me how to stay focused, maintain optimism and work through challenges,” Patterson said.
Coach McClure and the greater ZHS athletics community can be thankful for a student-athlete like Patterson. Her closing provides a template for those that follow when she wrote that “the consistent commitment to practice and improvement has instilled in me a sense of responsibility toward my goals, showing me that progress comes through hard work and consistency.”
Next week, the male ZAF award winner will be recognized.
ZHS Athletics Hall of Fame
The Zachary High School Athletic Hall of Fame is accepting nominations for the next class of inductees. Nominations for the Class of 2025-26 will be accepted through Aug. 1.
The purpose of the ZHS Athletic Hall of Fame is to pay tribute to past Zachary High School and former Northwestern High School (1955-70) athletic greats. Athletes must have graduated at least five years before induction.
Nominations should be based on outstanding high school athletic honors, achievements and/or accomplishments (Parish Honors; All-Tournament teams; All-District, All-State, All-American teams, etc.).
Guidelines and applications are available at HALL OF FAME NOMINATIONS — Zachary Community School District or by picking up at the Zachary High School front office or Academic/Athletic Building. Please return your nomination form to Zachary High School, 4100 Bronco Lane, Zachary, LA 70791, Attention: Athletic Director David Brewerton.
The two former athletes selected for the 2025-26 class will be honored at a banquet on Sept. 11 and at the home football game against Acadiana on Sept. 12.
Warren Brady covers sports for The Plainsman. He can be contacted at zachary@theadvocate.com.
