Finding Her Rhythm: Michaela Patton

By Mika Ryan, OSU Athletics Communications

STILLWATER – She is known for her skills on the field, but off the field she is gifted in a way that separates her from most people.

Oklahoma State softball's Michaela Patton is more than just an athlete. She is a musician behind closed doors.

While most people who play an instrument excel with one, she has excelled with three. From growing up playing the piano as a child, to teaching herself how to play acoustic guitar in high school and now learning the ukulele, the sky is truly the limit.

"My parents were the ones who got me into piano lessons, and then my love for music continued through my schooling," Patton said. "For example, when I was in elementary school and took music classes I looked forward to playing the plastic recorder, and I was probably the only kid who had fun with it."

The love for music began with piano lessons, but never halted with just that. She insisted to learn the guitar, and found a genuine passion for the instrument.

"It was actually my mom's guitar that I learned to play on," Patton said. "She randomly found it on craigslist and just never had the time to play it, so I kind of took it from her because it was collecting dust in the basement."

One day she felt inspired, and with one beginners book and YouTube, Patton taught herself how to play the guitar. With all that she has already learned on her own, it came as no surprise to her friends or family that she picked up the ukulele.

"I bought it mainly because it's small, which makes it easier to travel with being all the way from Seattle," Patton said. "Playing guitar was always my way to end a long stressful day, so having the ukulele now has been a perfect replacement since I've been at college."

Learning one instrument alone is a challenge, but to learn three reflects true talent. It takes patience and a genuine love for music to learn how to play it.

The team and coaching staff heard that she had this unique hobby outside of softball, but never once would she brag or boast about how good she was. For her, music is more of a personal thing that she can escape to when she goes home and use as a distraction from her daily struggles.

"I think all of us have ways that we decompress, being a very bright kid and having your brain work the way her's works, music is her escape," coach Kenny Gajewski said. "She is always wanting to learn more, whether it is about softball, music or her profession."

Patton never hesitates to impress. Her life outside of softball is far from boring. Not only does she take the time to play her music and apply herself in school, but she also spends every Thursday at the local nursing home. Even with her busy lifestyle that comes with being a student-athlete, she finds a way to dedicate time every week to spending with the elderly.

"I adopted a dog named Lucy last year because I wanted to do therapy dog work, and I recently got her certified so we can make trips to the nursing home," Patton said. "My time spent with Lucy going there has been fun, and being able to put smiles on peoples faces who might not get visitors very much is worthwhile."

As a senior, Patton's softball career is coming to an end. She has proven herself worthy enough to graduate standing tall as a success in school, sports and as a person.

Softball is a large part of Patton's life, but there is so much more to her than just being an athlete. She is a bright, passionate, kind-hearted person, and without a doubt a talented softball player.

Her ability to learn three instruments says all you need to know about her determination and desire to learn.

The sky truly is the limit with her.

"She is a kid who is a favorite amongst the team because her character is second to no one," Gajewski said. "I know she is capable of doing anything she puts her mind to, so learning about her many talents outside of softball is not shocking."

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