Jenks’ Anika Patton

The expectations at Jenks are always high. Even the student-athletes place high expectations on themselves to live up to the tradition of excellence Jenks High School has displayed for decades.

Jenks senior Anika Patton is no different. A varsity soccer player, Patton started playing the sport at five years old. As she competes in her final season, Patton and her teammates have one goal in mind.

“My goal for this season is to win state with my teammates,” Patton said. “The thing that I love most about my teammates is their flexibility and attitude. All of my teammates can play just about anywhere, and they’re always motivated to win for one another. I feel like as a unit we are driven to win for each other and that’s why we are so flexible as individuals. We don’t really care where we play as long as we get to play with each other.”

Patton said she is a good communicator on the field and has continued to work on her skills coming into the new season.

“A strength of mine is definitely communicating. I feel like I do a really good job keeping my defense organized through my communication. Something that I have improved on for this season is my distribution of the ball and shot stopping,” said Patton.

Patton said she has been impressed with the team and one player has stood out for her.

“Maddy Goss is such a great leader and such a talented player. She always has a great attitude and helps keep our team motivated when we are struggling as a unit,” said Patton.

When her days at JHS come to an end, Patton will take her talents to University of Missouri-Kansas City where she will continue to play soccer and work towards her goal of becoming a dentist.