Graduating Talawanda to Graduating Champions: Three Oxford native studentathletes share their Miami experience

barber shop. He also enjoys picking up a pound of mild wings and a calzone from Doughby’s to split with his roommate after a late night out.

He also points out some downsides of living in Oxford, which include parking Uptown and around campus and being called a “townie.”

First-year softball player Madie Patton is much newer to the Oxford scene. She moved here almost three years ago when her dad was hired as the offensive line coach for Miami football. After moving from city to city, this is now her sixth home. She started playing softball while living in Oklahoma when she was 5 years old. While she loved living there, she has also enjoyed living in Oxford.

“The people of Talawanda and just the whole community of Oxford are just amazing,” Patton said. “I loved it for the nine months that I went there and now I love the people I have met here … it’s been a great experience.”

Patton studies sport media and communications and journalism at Miami. She hopes to work for a professional sports organization in a larger city closer to Oklahoma after graduation.

Sports have consumed a good portion of her time at school, so she tries to see her family every few weeks. When the school year comes to a close, she spends time with her sisters walking around the city. Her favorite spots to visit include Graeter’s and El Burrito Loco.

Softball does not stop for Patton in the summer. She works as a counselor for various youth sports camps in the community.

Another Oxford native Miami athlete, Mercy Patterson, a marketing and fashion business major, is a member of the swimming and diving team and currently swims sprint butterfly and backstroke.

The 19-year-old has lived in Oxford her whole life, and she began swimming at 4 years old. She knew early on that this was something she wanted to do at a high level. Miami felt like a good fit for her, athletically and academically, so she committed. She speaks very highly about her decision to come here.

“You have everything you need

GreenHawks announces its plan to merge with The Miami Student in the fall 2023 semester its own section has additional benefits.