Confidence enhances opportunity, and that is exactly what is elevating an exceptional teenager to her next level. Cate Patterson is an unbelievably motivated 15-year-old who has a background in theatre at Batavia Performing Arts Studio, where she played her favorite role as Agatha Trunchbull in the musical Matilda. Cate is also a seasoned athlete. She has participated in figure skating, ice hockey, and is currently on the girls Varsity flag football team at her school. Cate’s most recent endeavor became a dream come true as she trampled over her fear and walked the runway at New York Fashion week! Cate is currently represented by the Talent Group as her agency. The Talent Group Agency represents Cate in the Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, and Western New York market.
The experience that Cate has from her 9 years as an ice hockey player has helped to shape her view on the importance of human connection. “Playing this sport has taught me valuable life skills to work with other people,” said Cate. These early years laid the foundation for Cate to understand the concept of pursuing one’s goals. “All of my life I have been told to keep going, don’t give up,” said Cate. That valuable advice has led to the pursuit of enriching goals that are embraced fully by Cate, and she never wavers in her humble appreciation of those who support her.
Cate’s support system includes many friends, “who have never doubted me in anything,” said Cate. In addition to uplifting friends in her corner, Cate also looks up to her math teacher as a mentor who teaches mathematical concepts in ways that help students, and do not overwhelm them. “I have never been a big math person,” said Cate. Due to the approach her math teacher chooses to implement, Cate now finds math to be enjoyable.
Cate’s mom, Stacie Patterson has been by her side and an immense support for Cate throughout every stage of Cate’s life. Whether Stacie is cheering as Cate plays a competitive sport, or watching with pride while Cate dominates the runway, Stacie is a phenomenal mother and a loving guide for Cate to depend on. “I am extremely proud of Cate and how professionally she presented herself during her first NYFW experience. Interacting with adults and presenting your best self in an industry that is unfamiliar could be daunting for a teenager, but Cate took the lead from Dr. Shellie and Eva-—and handled herself beautifully,” said Stacie. New York Fashion week was an enriching learning experience for both Stacie and Cate. Their takeaway lessons for next time would be to practice more patience, be sure to eat enough, and to pace themselves.
Another mentor for Cate who helped guide her through the modeling endeavor at the New York Fashion Show is Dr. Shellie Hipsky. Cate received high praise from her time in New York as Hipsky said, “Cate is an extraordinary young model who exudes excellence and class in print and on the runway. As she walked during New York Fashion Week in an Eva Dixon couture design, it was obvious that she will be the fresh new face for the next generation of models!” Cate enjoyed her time with Dr. Shellie and looks up to Hipsky as a role model who sets a great example. When discussing her receiving Dr. Shellie’s help in deciding on a black sequin dress for her runway debut at New York Fashion week, Cate said, “I knew that anything is possible.”
Cate’s decision to pursue modeling is one in which she does not take lightly, and her maturity shines through as she disclosed options she is considering after her high school education is complete. One passion Cate has is to work possibly with a nonprofit to advocate for women in sports, especially focused on when coaches are not seeing the players full potential simply because of being a female. For a career, in addition to modeling, Cate said, “I want to do something in the fashion industry after high school, perhaps Fashion Retail Design.”
Cate sought out an opportunity for learning and growth when she discussed her decision to participate in an upcoming school group trip to Germany and France. When asked what she feels her favorite aspect of the trip will be Cate said, “I really appreciate their different ways of living.”
Cate is currently taking a German class in high school and would like to become fluent in speaking French. Stacie talked about her excitement for Cate and her ability to engage in foreign travel. “She needs to know how to interact in a foreign country if she wants to be a model,” said Stacie.
The life Cate is leading positions her as a role model to peers, and children who follow her work. Cate’s message to younger girls is to, “give yourself confidence.”
Cate knows that intimidation can be a powerful deterrent to pursuing one’s dreams. However, she sets a tremendous example of living out her own advice when talking about hesitation to perform on stage. “I think beforehand, it’s scary. But once on stage I am good to talk,” said Cate.
If you would like to reach out to Cate for more information on her work, she can be reached by email at: swagpat@gmail.com
