If there had to be one word to describe Jiana Patterson, that word would be passionate. Whether it’s scoring goals, leading her teammates, or balancing academics, she brings undeniable heart and passion. Passion that has rewarded her not only in soccer, but in other aspects of her life as well.
At just the age of two, Patterson began her long, on-going, and illustrious journey as a soccer player. Like most young players, she started from the very bottom with the Itty-Bitty Kickers at Hempfield Parks and Recreation. It was there that she was first coached by Mike Crowe and Dan “Red Card” Anderson after she made the choice to compete with the boys on a travel team. Patterson’s competitive start and love for the game, early in her life, shaped the player she would eventually become today.
In addition to Coaches Crowe and Anderson helping her at the beginning of her career, Patterson has been grateful for the multitude of coaches she’s been able to work with as she grew older and played more competitively. As she describes, “Coach Jim Jones, the Lady Spartan’s head coach, has believed in me and guided me on the high school stage.” Not only does Patterson compete as a captain and starter for the high school team, but she is also a player for the Pittsburgh Riverhounds ECNL team. At the highest level of club soccer, her Riverhounds coach, Rob Vincent, holds several challenges for Patterson to face and overcome. However, Patterson’s number one supporters have always been her parents, who continuously push her to reach her goals.
It’s quite clear that, through soccer, Patterson has been able to create great relationships, specifically with her teammates, which feel like family to her. This is one of her many favorite things about the beautiful game, in addition to the natural competitive nature of soccer. Patterson also mentions how “…it forces you to be both mentally and physically tough.” Although, when it comes to playing for Hempfield, nothing compares, or is as rewarding, as playing a part in a team that’s truly turning their program around. Patterson quotes, “I love being able to play for my school and community, knowing we’re building something bigger than just one season.”
Challenges will always arise when it comes to trying to make a change. As she elaborates, “Yes—my junior season was full of challenges. As the primary scorer, I was often double and triple-marked, which forced me to adapt. I learned to focus on movement off the ball, creating chances for teammates, and staying patient. That mindset shift helped me stay confident and productive.”
For Patterson, she’s become no stranger to overcoming challenges. It’s seeing the accomplishments that make it all worth it in the end. Upon transferring to Hempfield Area from Greensburg Central Catholic, in her junior year, Patterson boasts 16 game appearances, 1275 minutes on the field, 13 goals, and 5 assists. This proved crucial for her team as she helped Hempfield break their 49-game conference losing streak and reach the playoffs for the first time in several years. All of this hard work paid off when she was awarded with recognition as part of the Big 56 All-Section First Team, WPIAL Leading Scorers, Westmoreland County Athlete of the Week, All Section / All WPIAL, and Exact 11 Top 100 (National). Not only is Patterson an accomplished soccer player, but she competes and is talented in track and field. For track and field, she was named a Pennsylvania Top 10 Thrower for shot put and discus. Lastly, Patterson’s devotion to sports goes even further than just the field, but in the classroom as well where she is CWCTC’s Sports Science Class President.
Where others may get carried away with the spotlight and achievements, Patterson enjoys the simple, yet essential, lessons that soccer has taught her along the way. There’s no doubt that Patterson has had to make sacrifices and work relentlessly, but through that work, she’s learned the true value of improvements. As a leader, teamwork has also been an important lesson instilled in her, proving self-awareness beyond her years, “…when everyone buys into the same goal, amazing things happen. Hard work, resilience, and communication are lessons I’ll carry with me far beyond the field.”
As a senior, Patterson has the chance to lead and mentor her younger teammates in her final season. Naturally, she holds much advice for the younger generation of players. When asked about what she would like to tell younger players, her response was, “Fall in love with the process, and the results will come. Don’t get discouraged if things don’t happen right away. Stay consistent, put in the work, and remember why you started playing in the first place.”
Given Patterson’s immaculate transcript for both school and sports, plans to continue playing soccer and competing in track and field at the collegiate level is definitely a goal for her. She strives to continue to challenge herself at a higher level of competition whilst pursuing a great education.
With her final season up and running, Patterson feels both confident and motivated to keep building onto where she left off last season. This includes making playoffs again and showing that Hempfield soccer is here to stay. What’s most exciting to Patterson is her new teammates bringing fresh energy and skill to the team. Knowing that this is her final season as a Lady Spartan pushes her to give to the future of Hempfield soccer. It’s fair to say that Patterson is leaving everything she’s got on the field.