Gamecocks Add Dynamic Defender Anna Patten
COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina women’s soccer coach Shelley Smith announced the addition of defender Anna Patten on Tuesday. The rising junior joins the Gamecocks after playing two seasons at Florida State.
“We are thrilled to welcome Anna to our program,” South Carolina head coach Shelley Smith said. “She brings a wealth of experience as a player and a maturity that will immediately enhance the leadership among our team.”
The Harpenden, England native was a part of the Seminoles 2018 National Championship team, making 12 starts and appearing in 23 matches, including 48 minutes in the National Championship victory. In two seasons, she made 41 appearances, and made 25 starts for Florida State.
She was tied for fifth on the team with 10 points during the 2018 campaign, scoring four goals and adding two assists. She was part of a Seminole defense that shutout 16 of its opponents. She recorded her first collegiate goal against No. 2 UCLA and scored the game-winning goal against Loyola Chicago in the NCAA Tournament on Nov. 9.
Patten has also experienced success with the England National team. She made her first appearance on the U15 team in 2014 and has since played in 46 international matches. She paired up with Grace Fisk on the U20 team to earn bronze at the 2018 U20 FIFA Women’s World Cup. She also placed third at the 2016 U17 UEFA Women’s Championship, and earned a spot on the team for the 2017 UEFA U19 Women’s European Championship. She currently is with the England U21 squad for the forthcoming La Manga U23 Tournament that starts on Fri., April 5 along with fellow Gamecock Grace Fisk.
“She is determined to play professionally and for her country beyond her college years and we are happy to help her continue on her path towards reaching those goals,” Smith said. “She will have the opportunity to play alongside her fellow England teammate Grace Fisk and we are confident they will be a strong tandem in the center of the defense. In addition to being a quality person with great determination, her experiences as a youth player, national team player and contributor to the national championship team at Florida State will bring an immediate positive impact to our team on and off the field.”
Prior to Florida State, Patten competed with Arsenal Women FC, and won the FA Youth Cup with the Arsenal Ladies Centre of Excellence U17 team in both May 2016 and May 2015. She earned Southeast England League titles in 2014-15 and 2015-16. She made her first full appearance with Arsenal Ladies in February 2017 against Bayern Munich.
The Gamecocks will play in five matches this spring, including an exhibition with the NWSL Champion NC Courage in Cary, N.C. Keep up with Carolina on Twitter and Instagram (@GamecockWSoccer) and on Facebook, so you do not miss any content during the 2019 spring season.
