Malena Patera

• Status: Committed to Sacred Heart University
• Class of 2024

Next Level U Statement

Sports have been a key factor in developing the strengths I hold today, both as a player, a team mate and an individual. It is through the success and adversities experienced over the years as an individual and with my team collectively that I have learned so many valuable skills such as time management, collaboration, focus, adaptability, resiliency and emotional intelligence. My hope is to continue to play through university so that I can strengthen these skills but equally important because I just love the game so much. Playing soccer has been a part of my life since I was 4 years old and I can’t imagine not having that outlet. I started off my soccer career as a striker and although my technical skills were very strong, after playing in a CAM role to fill in for a sick team mate, I knew that was the role meant for me. I have a very strong IQ and vision for the next play. I believe that my awareness of the field combined with technical skills, patience and physical strength allow me to be effective in distributing the ball with a high degree of accuracy. I am creative in my role and can be unpredictable, making me an asset to my team. I believe my strong awareness of the field is a skill I attribute to playing the highest level of hockey for several years where you have to constantly check your shoulder and be aware of your surroundings to not only maintain possession but to also prevent injury given the speed of the game. I have always been called to take penalties and corner kicks due to my composure and placement accuracy and I am a supportive and encouraging teammate that will not engage in drama or negativity.  I know that these qualities will help me succeed in my post secondary journey combined with my experience at De La Salle which has a very rigorous and demanding standard of education. I feel prepared and ready for post secondary demands and feel confident that my skillset will eventually help me succeed in Commerce/Business which is a field I am highly interested in pursuing a career.