Sarah Patterson Through the Ages

You knew we couldn’t leave Sarah Patterson out of our Through the Ages series. The former Alabama head coach is part of the fiercest rivalry in the sport and is a member of an elite club of coaches fans recognize as having made collegiate gymnastics what it is today. Patterson took the helm in 1979, before the NCAA recognized women (we’re getting tired of typing this sentence—NCAA, what were you doing?!), until her 2014 retirement. Let’s journey through the years of Sarah.

1987

Check out those earrings.

1988

Those polka dots! Those sleeves! Also, we need to acknowledge that Alabama won its first title in 1988, but CBS chose to interview Marsden and not Patterson. Side eye, CBS.

1989

It’s a brief glimpse, but it’s long enough to see that ruffle!

1990

She does love those statement sleeves!

1991

Combining the polka dots and stripes—very bold.

1992

All red this year!

1993

This is a big departure.

1994

That dress is all bling.

1995

From a fluff bit about the Georgia Alabama rivalry, which is quality television.

1996

Is that…a pearl-encrusted white suit?!

1997

Doing a little outfit repeating. But hey, if you won the national title in it, why not?!

1998

Always on the earring game, and back to red.

1999

Going the all-white embellished look again this year. Suzanne, of course, is in black.

2000

Our first sighting of Sarah in black! A classy, understated look.

2001

If one thing in gymnastics is always reliable, it’s Sarah’s earrings.

2002

Ooh, we’re back to red and white.

2003

Some glam this year for the reigning champ.

2004

Pink?! Who are you and where is Sarah?!

2005

Much better. Also, what is this angle, CBS?

2006

Going for some maroon!

2007

Gold for SECs.

2008

Gold earrings + gold necklace + warm up jacket = queen.

2009

It was Suzanne’s last year. She wore white; Sarah countered with black.

2010

We’re on the black train now.

2011

Victorious once again.

2012

Another one. We need to pause and commemorate the moment that a retired Suzanne interviewed a victorious Sarah.

2013

Back in black.

2014

Of course she went out with black and white. A fitting end to a stellar career.

Bonus Content:

That one time she wore a sweatshirt?

READ THIS NEXT: SUZANNE YOCULAN THROUGH THE AGES


Article by Emily Minehart

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