Earlham College

Tessa, or Tes, comes to Earlham from Northern Michigan, where her love for soccer first took root. Inspired early on by her sister and supported fiercely by her late grandfather—her loudest fan and most loyal motivator—Tessa has been playing for 15 years with a deep sense of drive and gratitude. She’s known for her ability to read the game with clarity and precision, developed through years of studying film and watching matches. A student of the game with a fierce competitive edge, she takes pride in the respect she shows on and off the field—to teammates, coaches, and referees alike. Her biggest role models are Sam Kerr and Kobe Bryant, both for their mental strength, resilience, and relentless pursuit of excellence—qualities Tessa brings to every match she plays.
At Earlham, Tessa is considering a major in Exercise, Sport, and Health Studies while continuing to grow as both an athlete and person. She’s proud of the mental toughness she's developed through setbacks, especially navigating injuries that could’ve ended her career. What ultimately drew her to Earlham was the welcoming, family-like atmosphere from the coaches, players, and staff, as well as the opportunity to pursue her academic goals. Described by those closest to her as honest, dedicated, funny, and hardworking, Tessa is excited to compete at a higher level, build lasting connections, and continue honoring the people who shaped her—especially her dad, whose example of resilience taught her never to give up on big dreams.
Why Earlham? 
“My deciding factor was not only they have the area of study I want to go into but also the team. the coaches, the players, and the school staff were so kind and so welcoming it really made me feel at home.”