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A new era for Verona Wildcats boys basketball with head coach Reggie Patterson
Courtesy: Reggie Patterson

A new era for Verona Wildcats boys basketball with head coach Reggie Patterson

VERONA, Wis. — 2021 has started off with many new opportunities! New things to do or see. Novel things to try. Newness abounds for Verona area high school too. Students were looking forward to learning and playing in their fresh digs. Instead of having a grand-opening with pomp and circumstance learners were met with a new way to do school, virtually.

VAHS’s new boy’s varsity head coach Reggie Patterson has a similar experience. He was hired in the spring of 2020 to start leading the team in the 2021 season. There were so many new things to look forward to, like new facilities and gym. Perfect timing to bring in a brand-new head coach! Instead of having a typical start to the season though, Coach Reggie has had to find a different way to coach this year.

With new changes to the school year and basketball season, there is still much to look forward to, like the anticipation of getting back to a basketball season.

This is the perfect time to get to know Coach Reggie! Verona Sports Monthly caught up with him recently to learn more about his background and what he is looking forward to as the new High School Basketball Coach for the Verona Wildcats.

Basketball was a big part of Reggie’s life while in high school. His foundation for the game was built there. Reggie shares, “My journey started in a small town called Baldwyn, Mississippi and I began my four-year high school basketball career on varsity.” Realizing his talent and desire to continue in the sport Reggie went on to play college basketball.

Courtesy: Reggie Patterson

Coach Reggie started out at the junior college level then moved up to a university. Reggie says, “After graduating high school, I decided to go the Junior College route. From junior college, I got the opportunity to manage and play for the men’s basketball team at Mississippi State University.” When asked about one of his proudest moments he shares, “Living out my dreams by successfully walking-on to Mississippi State.” It was while in college Reggie discovered his love of coaching and made it his goal to become a head coach.

After graduating from college coaching brought Reggie to Wisconsin. He states, “I applied for jobs in many different states, but landed at Edgewood College as a women’s basketball graduate assistant coach.”

Who have been the coach’s biggest supporters through all of this? Reggie acknowledged his mom, wife, and daughter are his biggest fans. He says, “My mom, Kiawana Leslie never let me get down on myself or quit on my goals and aspirations. After moving to Wisconsin my wife Marisa and daughter Chloe have been my inspiration and also my biggest supporters.”

Reggie landed in Verona last year when he worked under Angie Murphy as the girl’s varsity assistant coach. He is also focused on achieving his other dream off the court, completing a master’s degree, and getting his teacher’s certification this spring.

Like many new things that 2020 brought Reggie had to find a new way to coach for the 2021 season. So what does that look like for him? He shared, “It does not look how I imagine! With the pandemic going on, I have not had an opportunity to coach or really talk to the team besides Zoom. My staff and I are doing our best to keep everyone positive because this is out of our control. This has led to training being mainly on the student-athletes.”

Even without an actual season Reggie still recognizes the need to be a coach to his players. “My goal is to make sure every player develops as a person, student, and basketball player. When our programs can achieve this, we will be moving in the right direction. For now, I am focusing on controlling what I can and communicating as best as I can.”

Players need their coaches now more than ever as many are missing playing and being with their team. As tough as things are right now, Coach Reggie still finds reasons to be excited and hopeful though. He shares, “I am thankful and excited for this opportunity to lead the boy’s program here at VAHS. Though this year is not normal, from adversity we will rise.”

Soon enough the VAHS community and the boy’s basketball team will be able to experience new things in high school in a good way, like reuniting and finally getting to play on the court with their new coach! When that happens Coach Reggie says, “You can show encouragement and support by being ready at the drop of a hat to cheer us on!”

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