WASHINGTON (June 5, 2024) – Howard University Department of Athletics rolled on with another senior spotlight, featuring rising senior journalism major Sareyah Rudd catching up with Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Champion Amari Patterson (Chicago) from the volleyball team.
 
Q: Can you touch on the improvement that you saw from your freshman to senior year?
A: My freshman year was rough, to say the least. Coming into college during a pandemic and having to take on a very large leadership role on the team was a huge test for me. It challenged my mental toughness, work ethic and self-confidence. Looking back now as a senior, it is crazy to see how much I have grown both on and off the court. My confidence has grown tremendously and translated on the court; thus, allowing me to play free.
 
Q: How did you get started in playing volleyball?
A: My whole family plays volleyball, so I really grew up around the sport. My uncle played for the Puerto Rico national team and my grandparents still play in senior tournaments. I started playing club at 12 years old and have been playing since then.
 
Q: What kept you motivated?
A: I was motivated by my teammates and understanding that I was playing for something bigger myself. I was playing for every black and brown girl who wanted to play at the Division I level. All HBCU student-athletes provide representation and we are all aware of the platform that we are on and understand its bigger than just a game.
 
Q: If you were not competing in volleyball, what sport would you play?
A: If I was not playing volleyball, I would have played softball because I grew up playing both sports until my junior year of high school.
 
Q: What are your favorite memories at Howard University?
A: My favorite memories at Howard was during HU Homecoming.
 
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: After graduation, I moved to NYC (New York City) and work for Hines Real Estate.
 
Q: What or who will you miss at Howard?
A: I am going to miss my best friends/teammates, being surrounded and supported by a village of Black excellence. And, of course, Mr. Randy Smith (Howard Assistant Director for Student Athlete Support Services) and Mr. Paul Bowden (Howard Senior Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Support Services).
 
Q: What advice would you give to future Bison?
A: My advice to future Bison would be to take advantage of every opportunity presented to you while being at Howard and BE PRESENT because these four years go by quickly.
 
Q: Who would you like to thank?
A: First and foremost, I would like to thank God, all glory to Him. I would also like to thank my incredibly supportive family, teammates and friends that I have made these past four years. Also, huge thank you to Mr. Bowden and Mr. Smith because it takes a village and I am beyond grateful for mine!
 
About Patterson:

• Personal:
  • Hometown: Chicago, IL
  • Major: Marketing
• Athletic Achievements at Howard:
  • MEAC All-Rookie Team
  • MEAC Champion
• Academic Achievements at Howard:
  • President's Scholar
  • Principal REI Scholar
  • Bellwether Enterprise Scholar
  • Healthpeak Properties Scholar
  • Goldman Sachs Scholar
  • CBCF Scholar
  • UNCF Scholar

 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.