Marist School Welcomes New Softball Coach

“Selena is obviously a great coach, and her softball pedigree is pretty much unmatched from a playing standpoint. Most importantly, she is a great person with an amazing family. We are so excited to have Coach Patterson join the Marist family, along with her family members Corey, Giuliana, and Gabby. They are all a fantastic addition,” said Athletic Director Derek Waugh ’89. “Coach Kim Premoli did a great job with the program and will be on hand to help in all facets. Marist definitely has great softball momentum, and I cannot thank Coach Premoli, Coach Strickland, and Coach Harris for welcoming Selena with open arms, as well as for all they have done for the program.”

A 2003 graduate of Texas A&M University, Patterson was a four-year starter from 2000 to 2003 at the position of catcher, earning many accolades along the way. These include Texas A&M Female Athlete of the Year; All-American recognition; Big 12 Conference Player of the Year; Big 12 First Team All-Conference honors all four seasons; NCAA Midwest All-Region honors; and inclusion on the 2003 USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year Watch List. Additionally, she holds records in Texas A&M's regular season and Big 12 season record books for RBIs, home runs, and other categories. Patterson served as a captain for two years for the Aggies and was inducted into the Texas A&M Athletic Hall of Fame in 2022.    

Patterson also represented the United States as a three-time member of the United States National Softball Team. She played professional softball for the Houston Thunder and the Chicago Bandits in the National Pro FastPitch (NPF) league. Patterson coached at the collegiate level for four years before moving to Atlanta with her husband Corey, a former standout major league baseball player and first round draft pick of the Chicago Cubs, and two daughters. Their daughter Giuliana will enroll at Marist as a 7th grader beginning with the 2024-2025 academic year.

In addition to coaching, Patterson holds a position as a professor at Kennesaw State University. Within the Health and Physical Activity Leadership (HPAL) department, she instructs various courses in the coaching concentration, such as coaching principles and behavioral psychology of sport.

“I am thrilled and deeply honored to have the opportunity to lead such a talented group of young athletes. I want to express my gratitude to Derek for entrusting me with this responsibility, and I am thankful for the support of Coach Premoli, Coach Harris, and Coach Strickland,” said Patterson. “Sharing my passion for this game, which has provided me with invaluable life lessons, friendships, and opportunities, fills me with excitement. It's a privilege to have the chance to mentor and guide our youth, and I am grateful to be able to share my knowledge with the next generation. Joining the Marist family is an exciting prospect for me, and I am eager to get started. I am looking forward to beginning this journey and contributing to the growth and success of our team. War Eagle!”