When Brooklyn native Danielle Patterson transferred to St. John’s University for her final two years of playing eligibility, she felt at home, finding the basketball sisterhood she’d been seeking. Having already completed her bachelor’s degree before joining the Red Storm, Patterson used her two years to earn one master’s degree, sports management, and begin another, an MBA in strategic management. She completed her studies while working with the women’s basketball team as a graduate assistant this past season.
Last week, Patterson’s promotion to director of basketball operations was announced. “If you would have asked me even two years ago if I would still been playing now, I probably would have said, ‘Maybe I’ll be playing overseas,’ or something like that in some form or fashion,” she said. “After Joe [Tartamella, head coach] asked me to stay and be a graduate assistant, I learned that this is a path that I want to take. It’s opened my eyes to the other side of basketball, not being a player.”
Ending her final year as a player on a high note—a trip to the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Tournament—she felt complete. Now, being trusted with this new position has given her confidence. “I’m going to do my very best to help this program,” said Patterson.
The position of director of basketball operations has become more expansive in recent years. In addition to daily tasks related to housing, scheduling, equipment and making the day run smoothly for the players and coaches, it now involves having awareness of name, image and likeness (NIL) issues, and mental health.
“Five years ago, it was more of a traditional role—booking flights and buses and scheduling things,” Patterson said. “You’re still doing all of those things, but you can also be someone that your girls feel comfortable enough to go to about certain things that maybe they wouldn’t even go to the coaches about.
“Life lessons they can take with them even far beyond when they’re done playing basketball,” she added. “You’re going to have to put the ball down one day. I think I’m an example of that. That can be a very hard transition if you’re not prepared for it. Now, it becomes my duty to make sure I’m pouring into them what I know now, so they’re prepared to go out into the world and handle themselves as people.”
