Katie Patton achieves historic milestone in Harvard football program

As the Harvard Crimson takes to the field for their inaugural football game of the season on Saturday, the prestigious program with a rich history of over 150 years will do so having achieved new milestones beyond the field.

Katie Patton is stepping into her debut season as director of football operations for Harvard, making her the first woman to lead this role at the institution and the youngest woman to occupy such a position in Division I. The director manages logistics ranging from travel arrangements to facility usage, a crucial function within the organization and a foundation of every college football program.

“It’s an incredible privilege to hold the position I am in today,” remarked Patton, 24. “It’s genuinely inspiring to witness the progress I’ve made in just a year.”

“Katie has excelled since she joined us last summer. Promoting her to director of football operations was a straightforward choice when the position became available,” stated Andrew Aurich, Thomas Stephenson Family Head Coach for Harvard Football. “She has been immersed in college football from an early age and understands how vital the support staff is to a program’s success. We are fortunate to have her on our team, and we believe she will greatly contribute to our achievements in the years ahead.”

Patton arrived in Cambridge ahead of the 2024 season, serving as the assistant recruiting and operations coordinator during Harvard’s pursuit of its 11th Ivy League title since 2000. However, her connection to the sport runs much deeper.

Her father, James, is a celebrated coach in the college football arena, boasting over 30 years of experience with stops at Miami University of Ohio, Eastern Michigan University, University of Pittsburgh, Indiana University, Oklahoma University, and Northwestern University. Her mother, Nichole, was a volleyball player at Miami of Ohio from 1991 to 1994.

“Football and athletics, in general, have been a significant aspect of our family’s life,” James Patton remarked. “Having parents in coaching inspired our children to be actively involved in sports as they grew up. It kept them engaged and motivated to excel in academics, provided them with structure and accountability, and helped them form relationships while nurturing a competitive spirit.”

“Since my childhood, I’ve been around football and attended games. My mom always said that I went to my first football game when I was just 2 or 3 weeks old,” Katie Patton reminisced.

Her brother, Brayden, also pursued football. He was a prominent offensive lineman for Northern Illinois from 2017 to 2021 and is currently an assistant coach at his alma mater.

“Witnessing my brother embark on his coaching journey is incredible,” Katie expressed.

Brayden added: “For my sister and me, football has provided a unique bond as we both follow in our father’s footsteps. We hold weekly discussions about various topics that arise to support each other’s growth and improvement.”

“My mom always told me that I went to my first football game when I was 2 or 3 weeks old.”

Katie Patton laid the groundwork for her career as an undergraduate at Michigan State University, where she acquired essential skills and learned from other full-time female members of the Spartan football staff. She assisted the full-time team in recruiting, daily operations, practices, outreach to donors, and community relations. In Cambridge, she plays a crucial role in coordinating travel and facility use while collaborating directly with athletic administration and support staff.

“I’ve already gained so much more knowledge during my time at Harvard,” Patton stated. “[Former director of football operations] Jackson McSherry imparted valuable insights over the past year and equipped me for this role.”

Harvard’s 2025 season promises to be unprecedented in the program’s history, as Ivy League institutions are now allowed to participate in the NCAA Division I Football Championship subdivision playoffs. Patton will be tirelessly working towards that objective alongside players and coaches.

“Katie has consistently demonstrated a commitment to working with people, being an excellent teammate, providing leadership, and making an impact by supporting others,” her father commented. “As a parent, it’s rewarding to see the influence she is having and to know that she is collaborating with outstanding individuals at such a prestigious university.”