BLACK HISTORY SPOTLIGHT HOME

The next school in the Black History Spotlight is Cal State Fullerton as Chelsea Patterson ('15) and Leon Wood ('84) get their turn in the profile.
 
In a program that has churned out a pipeline of top-tier talent, Chelsey Patteron left her mark on the Cal State Fullerton as a winner and a leader. After earning a starting midfielder position as a freshman, Patterson embarked on a career that saw earn honorable mention and second team All-Big West honors and lead the Titans to three straight Big West Tournament titles. Leadership is a hallmark of her game as she was named a team captain in her last two years of high school to go along with the three seasons for the Titans.

Off the field Patterson has given back to the game that has given her so much. While still in college she coached high school and youth soccer, including at her alma mater Rosary High School. She also participated in the Soccer for Hope camp with her CSF teammates, teaching new drills and interacting with over 100 young, aspiring soccer stars in an effort to raise money and awareness for children with life threatening diseases. She also volunteered at Golden Hill Elementary School, participating in a reading program, operating a booth at the Harvest Festival and also partaking in the school’s “Fun Run.”

Patterson graduated from Cal State Fullerton with a bachelor of science in kinesiology and earned a master of arts in teaching from La Verne. While at La Verne, she served as a graduate assistant with the Leopards' women's soccer program in addition to coaching Rosary's JV team and the Fullerton Rangers Youth Soccer Club. Patterson also played professionally for the LA Galaxy County Women’s Soccer Team where she helped lead the team to a United Women’s Soccer League Championship and a UWS West First-Team nod in 2019.

Patterson has continued her passion for coaching as she is currently an assistant coach for the University of Houston.

Chelsey Patterson - Senior CLASS Award Profile
United Soccer Coaches Podcast 8.27.20 - Chelsey Patterson (30:05-44:50)
 
Originally from Columbia, S.C., Leon Wood moved to California at a young age and became a local legend while playing for Saint Monica Catholic High School, averaging an eye-popping 42 points a game in his senior year. After starting his collegiate career at Arizona, Wood transferred back to California to suit up for Cal State Fullerton for his final three seasons.

Wood's career with the Titans was prolific to say the least as he became the first All-America in Titan history. Wood led the nation in assists in his junior campaign and ended his career with 1,876 points, a total that is still second all-time in program history. His prolific college career earned the attention of the professional ranks as he was drafted in the first round of the 1984 NBA  draft, going 10th to the Philadelphia 76ers. Wood played six seasons in the NBA and also spent time overseas and in the CBA where he earned second team honors in 1990. Wood was also a fixture in the FIBA ranks, winning gold medals as part of the 1983 Pan American Games and at the 1984 Olympics where he was coached by the legendary Bobby Knight.

Once his playing career ended, Wood began a career as an official. The profession led him back to the NBA, where he has officiated at the highest level since 1996. He has officiated over 1,300 regular season games and over 25 playoff games.

Wood has been honored for his playing career as well. In January of 2020 he was named a finalist to be inducted into the Southern California Basketball Hall of Fame. He has already been inducted into the Orange County and Cal State Fullerton Athletic Halls of Fame and has his #20 retired in the rafters of Titan Gym.

Leon Wood NBA Referee Profile
Alumnus Leon Wood Named Southern California Hall of Fame Finalist