(Story courtesy of Texas Lutheran University Athletics)
SEGUIN, Texas -- Texas Lutheran University is turning to a familiar face that has been integral to Women's Basketball's recent success on the bench.
Troy Patterson, who helped guide the Bulldogs to a SCAC Championship and NCAA Tournament appearance in 2019 as an assistant, has been named the Texas Lutheran's new women's head basketball coach. President Debbie Cottrell and Athletic Director Bill Miller immediately chose Patterson because of his dedication to student-athletes, leadership, work ethic, service and passion to win.
He succeeds Head Coach Mel Dixon, the all-time wins leader in program history, who announced his retirement earlier today.
I am honored and humbled to be given the opportunity to lead this program, Patterson said. "I also would not be here without President Cottrell and Coach Bill Miller. I appreciate their faith in me and I look forward to working closely with them. I am proud to lead this team, and I can't wait for all that comes next."
Said Miller: "We are tremendously excited about Coach Troy Patterson becoming our new head women's basketball coach. As the Associate Head Coach, Coach Patterson has played a big role in the success the women's basketball program has experienced over the last four years including the 2019 SCAC Women's Basketball Conference Championship. I have no doubt that Coach Patterson will continue to lead the TLU Women's Basketball in a championship direction.
He is not only a great coach, but also a great role model. He truly coaches for the right reasons. Coach Dixon leaves big shoes to fill, but with Coach Patterson we have the right coach at the right time to keep the TLU Women's Basketball Program moving forward."
Patterson, who was born in San Antonio, but was raised in The Bronx, New York is a graduate of the University of Texas at San Antonio. After graduating from the University of Texas at San Antonio, where he majored in biology with a minor in chemistry, Patterson would go on to become the head coach at Incarnate Word High School. Patterson served as head coach for the Shamrocks for 9 years prior to being hired as an assistant coach at Texas Lutheran.
During his time as a coach for Incarnate Word, Patterson produced an overall record of 234-67 and won six district championships, one regional championship and made a trip to the Final Four of the TAPPS 6A State Championship Tournament. Patterson was named WOAI News "Coach of the Year" for the 2012-13 basketball season.
"I'm very happy that Coach Patterson will be leading our women's basketball program," said Texas Lutheran University President Debbie Cottrell. "He inherits a strong foundation from Coach Dixon and brings experience, talent, and passion for Bulldog athletics."
Patterson and his wife Vanessa have been happily married for 39 years, and they have four children: Tiffany, Tracey, DeAnna, and Troy. The Pattersons have also been blessed with three grandchildren - Adrienne, Jaxon, and Jalen.
