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5 Questions With Chanele Patton

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 17, 2008

Chanele Patton, a 5-foot-9 senior forward at Blake, endured a long, drawn-out coaching search and watched teammates transfer to other schools before the start of the season. But through it all, she remained loyal to Blake and has helped the Yellow Jackets to a 13-5 record while averaging 19 points and eight rebounds per game.

Your former coach, April Lindsey, announced her resignation last March to take an administrative position at the middle-school level. How did you hear the news?

She told us as a team. She had been preparing us by telling us her leaving was a real possibility, so it didn't come as a complete shock. We kind of knew it probably would be coming. But we definitely didn't want her to leave, though.

How did you feel when you realized she was, in fact, leaving?

I wasn't mad. I just didn't know what to expect this season. She was a great, great coach, and I'm happy for her because she wanted to try something new and she's doing something she wants to do. But I really wanted her to be my coach my last year here.

Not only did you have to deal with the coaching uncertainty, but three of your teammates transferred to other schools. How did you handle that?

That wasn't a big shocker. They were freshmen and we didn't have a coach. They were looking out for what was best for them. I believe being without a coach for so long played a part in it, but that was their own personal decision.

Blake didn't name a coach Calvin Barrs until September, which is the month before practice began. Did you ever think about transferring?

No, not at all. I think that would be selfish. I felt Blake was the best fit for me when I moved here from Indiana before my sophomore year, and I still believe that. I knew they would find a good coach.

How has the transition been with Coach Barrs?

It's been going pretty well. I think he was the best choice for the job. There really isn't any difference between Barrs and Lindsey. They're both really good coaches. I knew it would be very hard this season with the players we lost, but we're on the same page and are coming together as a team.

Gregg Becnel

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