This month’s athlete of the month is Tessa Cameron ’26! Tessa is a left wing back on Varsity Soccer. She has been playing soccer since she was two years old. Before she was eligible to play on the Spence Varsity team, she played club soccer. 

Tessa has always been passionate about soccer. Sometimes, however, she hits setbacks that revolve around injuries. When she was four years old, Tessa had to take a break from soccer, but she got back into it when the doctor cleared her to play again. Last season, Tessa also tore three ligaments in her knee and had to sit out. Tessa explained that even though her setbacks upset her greatly, she never felt alone in them. She described the happiness she felt watching her teammates play, even though she couldn’t play herself because she was still so proud. She also expressed how grateful she was to the Spence athletics community for consistently being there for her and making sure she never felt alone.  

Tessa is very impressive as a soccer player, but also trains many skills during the off-season that make her a versatile athlete. Tessa also participates on the Spence Varsity Swimming team as well as playing for the Varsity Softball team. She also coaches kids in rec leagues and works with kids with disabilities in improving their soccer skills. Tessa also has a dog that she will sometimes play an intense game of keep-away with in her backyard.

Tessa has been on Varsity Soccer for all four years of her high school career, and she describes the team as a family and “the best.” She spoke about how grades do not matter on the team because everyone is just so friendly and fun. She also said that during all four years, the dynamic and bonds between people never changed, especially this year the team had an amazing dynamic because they were playing great games.

And, speaking of great games, Tessa spoke about this year’s Homecoming and what an exciting day it was for the soccer team. Tessa described Homecoming games as “her favorite thing ever.” She talked about how on her Red Door Tours, she tells visitors about times when the Spence community unites to cheer on and support the Soccer team. She said, “I grew up going to Homecoming and looking up to the girls who played on the soccer team and now I’m one of those girls.” She also said that the team felt especially great about their homecoming win because of all the hard work they have put in this season. The supportive environment of the team is built on the mindset that the team does not play to win, they play to play.  

Tessa spoke at the end about how sad she was for her soccer experience at Spence to be over, and how grateful she was to Spence Athletics for making it so memorable.