Former University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) Lady Buccaneer basketball Player Brea Patterson has been hired as a graduate assistant for the UVI women's basketball program. Patterson brings her experience and expertise to the coaching staff after playing for the team during the 2023-2024 season. Her dedication and passion for the sport make her a valuable addition to the program.
“I am excited to have Brea join the women’s basketball coaching staff,” said UVI director of athletics Dr. Karen Carty. “Brea was one of our hardest working players last year and her passion and knack for the game will be valuable assets to this year’s team. Having Brea here with us for another year will also allow her to graduate with her master’s degree which is what you ultimately want for your student-athletes.”
The Mesa, Arizona native received her first leadership opportunity with the program
when she served as captain of the team in her final year of collegiate competition.
Basketball has played a pivotal role in her personal development, and she is grateful
for the doors it has opened for her continued education and various opportunities,
both personally and professionally. Now, as a graduate assistant, Patterson is eager
to apply her extensive experience and knowledge to coaching this year's team. "Becoming
a graduate assistant coach is a privilege; I'm grateful for the chance to contribute
to the growth of young athletes while developing my own skills in the process," said
Patterson.
Prior to her enrollment at UVI, Patterson made a significant stop at Clark Atlanta University where she excelled both athletically and academically. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in business management, she ranked in the top 10 of her business program and earned induction into the Beta Gamma Sigma Business Honor Society. Currently, Patterson is pursuing her Master of Business Administration (MBA) at UVI.
Following her time at Clark, Patterson was chosen to collaborate with NBA representatives to gain firsthand experience in the field of NBA officiating. Selected as one of only three students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) nationwide, she was hand-picked by a key figure in NBA referee selection. This unique opportunity at the Grassroots camp in Norfolk, Virginia gave her invaluable insights into the game from a fresh perspective.
Patterson cherishes the lifelong relationships she has formed through her basketball career and appreciates the continued support from her basketball family. This includes her father and godfather, who have officiated from the NJCAA to the NBA levels, as well as other close family members involved in coaching and refereeing in her hometown or playing overseas.
About UVI Athletics
The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and a member of the HBCU Athletic Conference (HBCUAC), formerly the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference (GCAC). Entering the 2024-25 season, the Buccaneers will begin their 18th season of athletic competition. As the only Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in the Caribbean, UVI currently sponsors six sports, including men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s basketball, and men’s and women’s outdoor track and field. For more information on UVI Athletics, visit UVIAthletics.com.
