Player Profile: Annika Patterson

If not for a weekday run to Target, Annika Patterson, junior, would not have gotten involved in track.

“I ran into captain Katie Donovan last year at Target, and I was maybe going to do lacrosse last season, but I ended up running track,” Patterson said. “I was more afraid that I wasn’t going to be good but [Donovan] encouraged me to sign up.”

Since then, Patterson has become a standout runner for the Royal track team. Patterson is a sprinter, running mostly 100 and 200 meter dashes. This year, however, the track coaches are also looking at Patterson to possibly run 400 meter races for the Royals.

“My best event so far is my 200, and yesterday at our meet I ran a 27.47 in my 200,” Patterson said on her performance at the meet on April 4th.

Patterson is looking to improve her times in her races, stating that her goal for her 200 is to have it at 26 by the end of the season. As for team goals, Patterson mentioned that making it to true team state with the relay teams is always a goal.

Being a part of the team is a very important part of Patterson’s involvement in track. When asked what her favorite track memory is, Patterson talked more about her relationship building with her teammates.

“It wasn’t like a meet, meets are always really fun but I think last season we had a really strong group of girls, there was like six or seven of us that were really good friends, and we had a really fun sleepover. They are my homies,” Patterson said.

Overall, Patterson is grateful for the experiences track has given her and is excited for another good year with the Royals.

“Track has taught me the importance of having a strong work ethic. I think one of the tougher things about track is having the mental strength to run the hard races and be able to tell yourself you can finish,” Patterson said.