Sports

ATHLETE PROFILE: SARAH PATIN

Connelly Basketball team captain says it’s an honor to represent her school.

By Jenelyn Russo     2/21/2019

Encouraged by some friends to try out for her school team, Sarah Patin began playing basketball in the sixth grade. By eighth grade, she had found a new passion, and the Cornelia Connelly High School sophomore loves the unpredictability of the sport. 

“It’s always changing,” says Patin of basketball. “It’s never going to be the same play or the same girls. You can draw up plays, but it really comes down to the moment in the game. Every game is different and unique. You can’t always plan on something because it’s going to change.” 

Playing the post for the Koalas, and also serving as a captain, Patin is working with a young team this season by encouraging them and challenging them to improve with each practice and game. 

“I try to be encouraging and let them know I’m there, that they can come talk to me,” says the 15-year-old. “I try to be a vocal leader for them.” 

Patin also plays volleyball and softball for Connelly. As a setter, her soft hands have helped her improve her shooting, while she brings her hand-eye coordination skills from softball to help with giving and receiving passes.  

“I’ve been lucky enough to coach Sarah in both volleyball and basketball, and she is a great athlete who works extremely hard everyday,” says Connelly basketball head coach, Megan Marrujo. “We are constantly challenging her to improve her game, and she is always up for the challenge. Sarah has such a bright future ahead of her, and I can’t wait to watch her to continue to grow on and off the court.” 

No matter which sports she is playing, Patin feels it is an honor to represent her high school, and she treasures the friendships she has developed with her teammates. 

“Connelly isn’t as widely known, so playing and representing the team gets the school out there, and I get to do what I love,” says Patin. “Being able to play with girls who I know are going to be there for me is something that’s going to stick with me. They’ve become my really close friends.” 

In addition to being a student athlete, Patin participates in Campus Ministry and yearbook staff for Connelly. She enjoys cooking and baking and would like to pursue a business degree in college as well as travel to France to study culinary arts.  

When it comes to faith and sports, Patin and her teammates, “don’t pray for the win,” but put their focus on thanking God for their talents and the ability to play. The Lake Forest resident is grateful to her parents for providing the opportunity to learn and grow at Connelly. 

“They work so hard to send me to Catholic school,” says Patin. “I wouldn’t know what to do without their love and support. No matter what I’ve chosen, they’ve been there, and they’ve supported my decisions.”