STHM student-athlete spotlight
Raquel Patalon, Women’s Soccer
By Ethan Duer
In our latest Q&A series, we highlight the student-athlete experience at STHM.
Sport and entertainment management major Raquel Patalon, class of 2028, is a member of the Temple Owls women’s soccer team.
Photo courtesy of Temple Athletics
Q&A with STHM
From Las Vegas, Raquel Patalon, class of 2028, is a member of the Temple Owls women’s soccer team. As the program navigates its 2025 season, Patalon shared highlights of her student-athlete experience on campus, including insights into her participation in the school’s 4+1 master’s degree program, how she feels immensely supported by the School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management (STHM) and advice she would offer to future Temple athletes.
Name: Raquel Patalon
Sport: Women’s Soccer
Hometown: Las Vegas, NV (College of Southern Nevada High School)
Favorite student-athlete memory: “Being named to the 2024-25 American Athletic Conference (AAC) All-Freshman team.”
What does it mean to you to be a student-athlete at the STHM?
To me, being a student-athlete at STHM means being part of a supportive community that provides guidance and resources in every situation. STHM is truly one of a kind and having the chance to embrace my role as a student-athlete in a university setting that values and supports me is something very special. Being a student-athlete also means to have a strong commitment, and I take pride in giving 100% effort to everything I do—both academically and athletically.
What was your decision process like when choosing to attend Temple University?
My decision to attend Temple was driven by the opportunity to join a program where I could spend all four years of my collegiate NCAA eligibility. Since I was already focused on pursuing a degree in sport management, STHM stood out as the best fit for my goals. Having earned an associate degree during high school, I was thrilled that all my credits were accepted here, allowing me to join STHM’s 4+1 program to pursue a master’s degree in sport business. With these factors aligning, choosing STHM and Temple became an easy and confident decision.
How has STHM supported your pursuits as a student-athlete?
STHM has supported my journey as a student-athlete by providing professors who are both understanding and accommodating of my schedule. Throughout my first year on campus, I experienced no difficulties arranging make-up exams or managing missed lectures thanks to their flexibility. Additionally, being an athlete has opened the door to even more opportunities to complete industry hours. With the support of the advising team, I’ve had easier access to a wide range of experiences that continue to strengthen my professional development.
Photo courtesy of Temple Athletics
“I would say that this is an incredible environment to grow both academically and athletically. The athletics program provides outstanding resources to support your career and athletic development.”
How will your student-athlete experience benefit you beyond your time at Temple?
I believe my student-athlete experience will benefit me long after my time at Temple. Through balancing academics and athletics, I am developing essential skills such as time management, communication, teamwork, work ethic and goal setting. The challenges I’ve overcome as a student-athlete have strengthened my resilience and adaptability—qualities that will support my success in any future career.
What would you say to a prospective student-athlete who is considering coming to Temple?
To a prospective student-athlete considering Temple, I would say that this is an incredible environment to grow both academically and athletically. The athletics program provides outstanding resources to support your career and athletic development. Beyond that, when you come to Temple, you’re not just joining a team—you’re becoming part of a community of friends and mentors who are dedicated to helping you succeed.
What do you hope to achieve this fall semester? (Both athletically and academically)
This fall, my athletic goal is to stay healthy and continue building my performance in preparation for this season. Academically, I aim to secure an internship in my major and successfully pass my graduate courses each semester. Overall, I hope to grow both as an athlete and as a student, strengthening myself in every area.
Student-Athletes at STHM
Each academic year, a select group of students from Temple University’s School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management (STHM) represents the school in a place beyond the classroom: NCAA collegiate athletics.
Participating across a variety of Temple Athletics programs, STHM is proud to be the academic home for many student-athletes.