Patrick Agyemang wins accolades while lifting up team
Photo contributed by: gorhody.com
Now in his third year with the University of Rhode Island men’s soccer team, Patrick Agyemang has triumphed with numerous milestones and accolades over the years.
After leading the Rams’ offense in all goal-scoring categories last year, Agyemang now returns to Kingston on the 2022 United Soccer Coaches Division I Players to Watch List.
Announced on August 16, the list distinguishes several of the best male and female collegiate soccer athletes across the country per position.
Throughout his tenure with the Rams, Agyemang has boasted a number of accolades in the Atlantic 10. In the 2021 season alone, he was named A-10 Player of the week twice, and was nominated to both the All Conference and All Championship teams. More recently, he was selected to the 2022 A-10 Preseason All Conference team.
When asked about the praise, Agyemang stated that it is his mentality on and off the field that truly propels his game to the next level.
“I’m just out there to have fun, you know?” Agyemang said. “It’s an honor to be named, but it’s not all about the numbers for me. When I am out there, in my zone and not putting pressure on myself…that’s when I’m at my best. And that’s when the stats follow.”
A transfer student from Eastern Connecticut State, Agyemang joined the Rams in 2020 and has since led the team in assists and points for two straight seasons. Last year, Agyemang finished the season with 26 total points on 10 goals and six assists. He recorded points in 11 out of the Rams’ 17 games and had three games with multiple goals and/or assists.
In addition to being a critical member to the Rams offense, Head Coach Gareth Elliott noted that it is also Agyemang’s personality that acts as one of his greatest assets to the team.
“He’s just a great human being who likes to have fun,” Elliott said. “He’s got a huge personality, great smile, great laugh and he brings that energy across to his teammates. He always plays better when he’s smiling and has this quality to lift everyone else up around him.”
With the 2022 season underway, Agyemang and the Rams are looking toward the future with the A-10 conference tournament in early November. Boasting an undefeated record of 3-0-4, the Rams are well on their way to securing their place.
“By the end of the year, the goal is to win the A-10 conference and make it to the NCAA tournament,” Agyemang said. “We have a really solid team this year, so much potential. The way we’ve been holding our own against some of these big name teams, it tells us we have a lot of versatility and if we stay focused, anything can happen.”
Elliott agreed, noting that with a player like Agyemang, that goal may not be so far out of reach.
“Patrick is a goal scorer, one of the best in the conference, and with his personality and versatility, he’s just an enormous threat on all levels,” Elliott said. “He sets up both offensive and defensive plays and with him in our lineup, we always have that one step advantage over the rest.”
Agyemang and the Rams return to Kingston this Saturday where they will host the undefeated Dayton Flyers in an A10 Conference matchup you do not want to miss.