When Gamecock women's soccer player Anna Patten got a call inviting her to the England Senior National Team Training camp last Tuesday, she did a little dance and FaceTimed her parents out of excitement.
Patten, a native of Harpenden, England, was one of just nine defenders invited by the Football Association in England, also known as The FA.
"I feel so honored to be selected to this," Patten said in an interview with Gamecocks Online. "To be able to play with players that I looked up to when I was growing up, and be actually selected to play with our senior team, is really what I've been working towards since I was a child.”
The junior defender is no stranger to the Football Association as she has been a part of the U15, U17, U18, U19 and U20 England national teams, including an appearance in the 2016 FIFA Women’s U17 World Cup before falling 3-0 to Japan in the quarterfinals.
Patten and the 2016 U17 England national team also finished in third place in the 2016 UEFA U17 Championship by defeating Norway 2-1 in the tournament’s third-place match after falling to the eventual champions, Germany.
On the college soccer side of things, Patten just transferred to South Carolina for the 2019 season after spending two seasons at Florida State, where she was part of the 2018 NCAA National Championship team.
She also contributed 10 goals for the Seminoles while coming in clutch in multiple matches for the defending national champions, including scoring the lone, game-winning goal against Loyola Chicago before making the decision to transfer to the Gamecocks.
“When I came on my visit [to South Carolina] and I spoke to the coaches personally, I met the players and saw the amazing facilities we have here," Patten said. "It was a no-brainer, really.”
Head coach Shelley Smith was also excited to welcome Patten to Columbia when the English talent transferred back in April.
"We are thrilled to welcome Anna to our program," Smith said in an interview with Gamecocks Online. "She brings a wealth of experience as a player and a maturity that will immediately enhance the leadership among our team."
So far as a Gamecock, Patten has played a role in the team’s 2-1 win against No. 21 NC State on Thursday night with 50 total minutes of playing time.
Patten will have to take a hiatus from the women’s soccer team as her and the England Senior National Team are set to take on the Belgian Senior National Team on Aug. 29 before taking on the Norwegian Senior National Team on Sept. 3.