TESSA GUERRA
COMMITS TO NCAA D3 CLAREMONT-MUDD-SCRIPPS
Congratulations to Starz’ 18 attacker, Tessa Guerra, on her recent commitment to NCAA D3 Claremont McKenna College. The Athenas finished 16-2 in 2017, losing a heart breaker to Colorado College in the 2nd round of the NCAA tournament. In SCIAC play, they went undefeated in both regular and post season, claiming their 3rd conference title.
“I started playing for Starz when I was going into seventh grade, ” says Guerra. ” The program offers players the amazing opportunity to play against challenging opponents you don’t typically face on the west coast and alongside talented teammates who push you to be the best. Without Starz, I wouldn’t be the player and person I am today. Huge thanks to Lyndsey Gillis, who was amazingly supportive while I recovered from an injury sustained my freshman year. She pushes me to be confident on the field and continues to make me a better athlete each time she coaches me. Her guidance and advice through the recruiting process was invaluable. Not only did she connect me with coaches in her own vast network, but she also supported my efforts to reach out to others. In addition, I’d like to thank Ruth, Mike and Steph who all bring the perfect amount of laughter, energy, encouragement and helpful instruction. It has been incredible having coaches who always make time for their athletes and constantly check to see how you are doing on and off the field. Finally, I want to acknowledge my teammates who make traveling and playing phenomenally fun. I have been lucky enough to make life-long friends and I look forward to them visiting me in the sun! Go Athenas!”
” Tessa has been an invaluable player to the Starz program for many years,” remarked Coach Lyndsey Gillis. “I’ve had the privilege of coaching her since she was in middle school and am fortunate to get to coach her as she finishes her high school career with Starz and at Mercer Island, where she will captain our squad this spring. Tessa is not only an amazing athlete and fierce competitor, she is always a wonderful leader and teammate. She covets the respect and friendship of her teammates naturally; her sense of self makes her wise beyond her years allowing any coach to work with her. I’ve enjoyed Tessa’s drive to compete WITH her teammates as she’s always looking to get the job done as a team. Her determination and work ethic shine on and off the field; it is what enabled her to come back from a big injury early in high school. She built her confidence back up and became our ‘go-to’ attacker on many occasions, often leading our team in goals and assists in numerous tournaments. I couldn’t be more proud of Tessa’s accomplishments and look forward to following her career at Claremont-Mudd-Scripps!”