WPIAL Alum Q&A – Courtney Patterson

By: HSSN Staff
Monday, April 4, 2016 | 11:45 PM

Last week, the spring season of WPIAL Alum Q&A commenced with a profile of a baseball standout. This week, the focus shifts to the ladies, with former McKeesport and current St. Vincent College softball player Courtney Patterson.

Patterson was a stalwart during a very successful run for the Tigers between 2011-2014. As a sophomore in 2012, the infielder helped guide her squad to an 8-4 mark in Class Quad-A Section 2.

The following season, McKeesport was flawless in section action, as the Tigers boasted a 12-0 mark, with a record of 17-5 overall. That season, the team also scored a first-round playoff triumph, 11-10, against Baldwin.

In the 2013-14 campaign, the Tigers were again dominant, posting a mark of 11-1 against their conference foes. Patterson was honored as an All-Section performer twice in her high school career, during her sophomore and senior seasons.

Patterson then matriculated to St. Vincent College, where she became the Bearcats starting shortstop as a freshman. She played in 35 games, batting .314 with 10 runs batted in.

This season, Patterson has improved both at the plate and in the field. She’s increased her average considerably, to .359, and through 17 games, has already eclipsed her RBI total from last year. Perhaps of greater importance, Patterson has improved her fielding percentage at arguably the most important position on the diamond. As a result, St. Vincent is off to a strong start, with a mark of 13-7.

Courtney took time to detail to answer questions about her improvements during her college career, her Tigers pride, and which TV show she’d like to see return.

Q: Shortstop is often thought of as a position where defense is paramount. How important is your play in the field, both personally and to the success of the team?

A: For the success of my team, I think the most important part of my play in the field is being reliable. My team can rely on me to be in the position I need to be for whatever play is about to happen. They can count on me to give it my all for each play. When your team can’t rely on you is when errors occur and the constant flow of even the greatest teams can come to a halt. Personally, I take the importance of my position very seriously. I know that I have to be a leader on the field and take charge. I put in a lot of practice to better myself personally so that I can continue the success of our team.

Q: Your fielding percentage has improved considerably from your freshman year to this season. How have you been able to make those strides?

A: Playing as a freshman in a key position can be a little nerve racking. Now that I have a year under my belt, I have more confidence in my fielding ability. Also, every day in practice, coach has us working on angling to the ball drills. This has helped me cover a lot more of the field at my position. By angling instead of coming straight across, I am able to get more balls in the holes.

Q: How would you describe your approach and style at the plate?

A: My style at the plate is to stay loose and be patient. When you start to put pressure on yourself at the plate is when you stress too much to hit the ball. This generally causes me to hit little ground balls or pop ups. When I stay loose and focus on the pitch I want to hit, I am able to be selective and drive the ball with power. 

Q: How did you handle the pressure of not only playing, but starting for the majority of your freshman year at a key position?

A:Taking on the pressure of this position as a freshman was a little nerve racking at first, but even in high school I knew I wanted to be a leader. Maybe not verbally, but by example. I was chosen as a captain my sophomore to senior year of high school and I think that has prepared me to be able to step up in key positions.

Q: What are some of the Bearcats’ team goals this season?

A: Last year, we did very well and made it to the PAC playoffs. This year, we plan to make our way back and one of the big goals is to lead the PAC and be able to host playoffs. This is a challenging goal, but I believe we have the team to do it.

Q: What are the benefits of opening your schedule with an eight-game trip to Florida?

A: I think going to Florida really helps prepare us for games that start right after our spring break. While we leave behind inches of snow, we are able to get eight very competitive games in and I believe that prepares us to come out strong when our season starts here at home. You can only do so much when you’re crammed inside a gym.

Q: McKeesport was dominant in section play in both your junior and senior seasons. How were the Tigers so successful against the rest of the section?

A: Our team was very dedicated to getting ready for the season. We conditioned a lot in the off season and brought that dedication into the start of the season. Those girls were more then just teammates, they have been sisters to me since we all started playing together when we were 6 years old. I think the bond that we all of us had was what made us so dominant.

Q: What is your favorite memory from high school?

A: My favorite memory from high school was being back-to-back section champs and making it to the second round of playoffs my junior year. Although it was a tough loss that day, there is no better feeling then knowing that our team gave every ounce of heart we had in that game. I would do anything to be able to play another game with those girls.

Q: What led to your decision to attend St. Vincent?

A: Choosing a school was one of my hardest decisions, but when it came to St. Vincent, it felt like home. The family feeling I had playing with my team at McKeesport was the same feeling I had with my team now at Saint Vincent. At Saint Vincent, you are the true meaning of a student athlete, where student always comes before athlete. Coach Hinerman takes that very seriously and is always checking in and making sure our academics come before softball. The teachers and coaches are very understanding when it comes to missing practice for class or class for a game. This is everything I was looking for in a school and team.

Q: Aside from your softball career, what was the most difficult transition from high school to college?

A: College is very different from high school. My biggest struggle was managing my time wisely. You no longer have mom and dad telling you when to do your homework or to go to sleep on time. You have to be able to make those decisions on your own. Since starting my freshman year, I’ve been able to set aside time for my studies, friends and softball. Improving my time management has been the hardest transition.

Q: What do you do over the summer to hone your softball skills?

A: Although I no longer play travel ball, that doesn’t mean the hard work in the off season has stopped. I go to the gym every day, especially targeting my core muscles and running to keep up my endurance. Also, my dad still loves to take me to the field for some practice on the weekends and even the batting cages. Softball has never just been a season to me, it’s year round. Even if you’re not currently playing games, there is always work you can put in to be a better player.

Q: Who is your favorite artist or group currently?

A: I like all types of music. It all really depends what type of mood I am in or what I am doing at the moment. My go to, though, is country music.

Q: What is your favorite holiday?

A: My favorite holiday is Christmas. I love the joy, love and happiness that comes with that time of year. Plus I love spending time with my family, and with the break we get off of school, its a great time to catch up and spend some time with them.

Q: If you could bring back one TV show, what would it be?

A: I would like to bring back either One Tree Hill or Laguna Beach.