Life is sweeter when you have a partner in crime, and for Aryana Patterson and Lana Lavinder, that life exists on the soccer field. Their partnership was rekindled freshman year after not playing together for several years, and it has been a game-changer ever since.
This past year both Patterson and Lavinder made the all state team as well as breaking several records.
Patterson broke the school record for single season goals with 58 in 2024 as well as the record for single season points with 132, 2 points per goal and 1 per assist. She also placed 8th in the state for her 58 goals.
“Scoring goals is part of who she is,” Lavinder said, speaking of Patterson. With an amazing season Patterson recalls a pivotal moment in her confidence at the Gatlinburg tournament. “I scored a banger in the last 10 seconds to beat Knox Central 1-0, a team that beat us 8-0 the previous year. It gave us hope for the season,” Patterson said.
Lavender broke the school record for single season assists with 35 in 2024 and placed 2nd in the state. She also broke the school record for Career Assists with 50.
“I’m proud of myself because I’ve worked very hard with soccer for a long time, so to achieve something so big is gratifying,” said Lavinder. This sentiment is echoed in their incredible performances and the bond they share on the field.
Their confidence soared early in the season. “We didn’t know if we’d be as good this year due to the loss of seniors, but beating DB 5-0 in that first big scrimmage was a big confidence booster,” Lavinder shared.
Several hard games stick out but the one that highlights the determination of Patterson the most was the regional final game against Greenville. Patterson had been gaining a sickness for a few days but this didn’t stop her. “I was running off the field to throw up during the game, then played substrate two days later on a hydration IV,” Patterson recounted.
The support from their coaches has also played a crucial role in their journey. “Coach Mooney meant a lot because for all the coaches I’ve played for, it’s a rare thing for them to genuinely care about you. I didn’t think I’d be able to find another coach that cared about me like that, but we were very lucky to get Coach Meade who also had the same quality,” Lavinder said.
Patterson added, “I keep Mooney close to my heart. He brought me to Tennessee High in the first place. Once he left, Meade did an awesome job stepping into that role, and I love them both as coaches.”
The coaching only strengthened the bond between Patterson and Lavinder. “We have similar styles of play, so working together comes easily,” said Patterson. Lavinder agreed, adding, “Being able to play year-round with each other really helps keep us strong.”
“When you have those special players like that, you know you can rely on and put the team on their shoulders a bit,” said Coach Hunter Meade. “Their partnership on the soccer field is truly something special”