Defender never rests

   Lauren Patterson wasn't born when someone first said, "Offense sells tickets but defense wins championships." The Cheyenne Mountain junior epitomizes that philosophy. Already a three-year starter, Patterson led a defense that allowed just 11 goals while posting 12 shutouts - including seven straight - in a 15-3 season that included an 8-0 mark in the 4A Metro League.

    "Lauren is composed, consistent and tough," Indians coach Nikki Athey said. "She takes care of her entire midfield and her defense. She makes good decisions and plays the ball so well. She'll also make a run up and create something. She's already been talked to by two colleges and will have several opportunities."

How long have you been playing soccer?
Since I was 5 years old. I was a dandelion picker. My dad was my coach and my
parents thought I was better off staying out of the mix. But the ball kept going to me and I would score.

When did you switch to defense?
I was probably 10 years old. I was on a competitive team, U-10s.

Do you regret switching to defense?
Not at all. I love defense. I love the pressure with the keeper the only one behind me and I know she can't stop everything. I like the organizational part of defense, directing my teammates where to go. We don't get the glory for scoring the gamewinner but I love seeing the whole field when girls are running at you. And I love stuffing them.

Are you a physical player?
I am. The best part is when you can get the ball and the player at the same time and do it cleanly. I like to give ‘em a little nudge and let ‘em know I'm there.

Do you play other sports?
I still play basketball. I started on varsity the last 3 years.

Do you score a lot or do you like defense in hoops, too?
I like defense the best. I'm not a very good shooter. My scoring range is about 2 feet. Early in the season, I usually foul out a lot because I'm so physical.

What's your proudest moment on a soccer field?
One thing that keeps replaying in my mind is the goal I assisted last year in the state final when we won the championship. It was on our first goal, to Kelley Lawson. We went up 2-0 and they scored twice. There was so much pressure in the overtime. Our entire team played extremely well. All our fans rushing the field and getting to us before the coaches was amazing.

Was this a satisfying or disappointing season, losing in the quarterfinals?
It was disappointing because we didn't win state again. Everybody said it would be a regrouping year because we lost so many seniors but everybody stepped up and we had a lot of fun.

What's in your future?
I want to play college soccer. I (verbally) committed May 13 to play for Wright State in Dayton, Ohio.

Why did you commit so early?
I went to Campbell University in North Carolina and when I visited Wright State, I knew it was the place for me.

How would you describe yourself to someone who doesn't know you?
I'm very athletic. I will listen to you. If anybody needs a shoulder, I'm always here. I'm definitely a woman of God. I live through God. I'm shy at first but can be pretty outgoing.

What three people would you like to have dinner with?
I'd probably pick my physical therapist, Walt Hylton. He died a few years ago. I went there to work out and he was always there for me and talked to me a lot. Mia Hamm because it would be so interesting to hear her stories about winning the World Cup. And my Grandma Pat. She loves to come to my games. She cooks for our whole family every Thursday and it's like 25 to 30 people.

Are you a good student and what's your favorite subject?
I've had close to straight A's my whole life. I like math and science. I work my butt off and it pays off.

Do you play soccer 12 months a year?
Close to it. I take about a month off from middle June to middle July but that's when some of my friends get together and touch the ball around. Five of us go to Denver and play in some 3-on-3 tournaments on a small field with no goalies. That's fun.