McKenize defender inks with Lady Lion soccer

February 9, 2023

by Dustin Semore, FHU Sports Information Director

MCKENZIE, Tenn. — Freed-Hardeman University Lady Lion soccer has announced its first addition for the 2023-24 season. McKenzie High School's Anna Claire Patel has signed to join the Lady Lion backfield.

Running track all four years of high school, Patel was approached by McKenzie head coach Karlene Brown in her sophomore season. After an introduction to the beautiful game, Patel learned that she fit in as a defender, saying, "I love to put pressure on the attacker and prevent them from getting past me." A self-described extremely competitive person, the former Rebels was honored as MHS's 2022-23 Defensive Player of the Year.

Patel is excited about coming to FHU, saying, "I know that choosing Freed-Hardeman is one of the best decisions that I will make. At Freed-Hardeman, I will have the opportunity to grow not only academically and athletically but also spiritually. I know that without God none of this would be possible, I owe it all to Him. I cannot wait to get to know my new teammates and coaches and to see what the next four years have in store. I'm so excited to be a Lion!"