Selena Collins-Patterson high-fives a player rounding third base. Photo courtesy of KSU Athletics
As Selena Collins-Patterson takes over as head softball coach at Kennesaw State, she brings far more than a new title with her.
Hired as the seventh coach in the program’s history, Collins-Patterson arrives with a lifetime shaped by the sport, resilience and a deep belief in the power of women in athletics.
Growing up in Arizona, Collins-Patterson was a true multisport athlete. She played softball, volleyball and basketball, thriving in competitive environments that demanded adaptability. While she loved all three, softball ultimately offered her the chance to compete at the highest level, earning her a scholarship to play at Texas A&M.
Before ever suiting up for the Aggies, Collins-Patterson faced adversity that would come to define her approach to the game and life. She tore both of her ACLs before going to college, a setback that tested her physically and mentally. Navigating recovery and uncertainty forced her to develop resilience early, a lesson she now passes on to her players and students.
“Softball is a game built on failure,” Collins-Patterson said. “You’re constantly learning how to respond, how to bounce back and how to keep taking chances.”
That mindset carried her through her college career and into her next chapter. After graduating from Texas A&M, Collins-Patterson stayed on as a graduate assistant coach, where she discovered her true calling. She had once imagined a future in sports broadcasting, but experiencing the game from the coaching side changed everything.
“I’ve always known that coaching was my passion,” she said. “I developed a love for this side of the game where I could really teach and help grow [players] in the sport.”
Her passion for teaching extended beyond the field. Collins-Patterson has been a lecturer at Kennesaw State since 2014, mixing athletics and education in a way that reflects her belief in well-rounded development. She credits both experiences for shaping her leadership style, emphasizing communication, accountability and growth.
When the KSU softball program entered a period of transition, Collins-Patterson felt called to step in. Having lived in Kennesaw and taught at the university for more than a decade, the opportunity felt like more than a career move — it felt like a sign.
“I’ve seen the growth of Kennesaw [State],” she said. “I love the atmosphere, the people and the community. This place already felt like home.”
One of Collins-Patterson’s first priorities as head coach was building a strong staff and establishing a competitive culture rooted in resilience and passion. She praised the program’s pitching coach, Crystal Hampton, for her commitment to the team during the program’s transition, continuing to work with players during the fall while the head coaching position remained vacant.
Collins-Patterson also brings years of experience coaching youth softball, a role she took on to deepen her love for the sport and inspire the next generation. Coaching younger athletes taught her patience and reinforced the importance of fostering confidence in young girls.
“I want them to know what it means to be a strong female athlete, and to carry that strength into whatever they do next,” she said.
That commitment reflects her belief in the importance of women in sports. As softball continues to grow in popularity, Collins-Patterson sees representation and leadership as crucial to sustaining that momentum.
Off the field, Collins-Patterson’s drive is fueled by family. She is the mother of two daughters, both of whom are already finding their own paths in athletics. Her oldest hopes to play college softball, while her youngest enjoys basketball and also softball. Her husband, Corey Patterson, was selected third overall in the 1998 Major League Baseball draft straight out of high school by the Chicago Cubs and spent 11 seasons at the highest level, giving the family a shared appreciation for the dedication elite sports require.
Family, she said, keeps her grounded and motivated.
As she begins her tenure with the Owls, Collins-Patterson is focused on creating a program that mirrors her journey, built on perseverance, passion and belief. Through her experiences as an athlete, educator and coach, she hopes to prepare her players not just for competition, but for life beyond the diamond.
For Collins-Patterson, leading Kennesaw State softball is more than a job. It is the culmination of every lesson learned, every challenge overcome and every role she has embraced along the way.
