Photo Courtesy of Sports Information
By Carly Mersky, Staff Writer
Tessa Rendina is a senior global management major and a center midfielder on the Susquehanna Women’s soccer team. She is from Anne Arundel County, Md.
What made you start playing soccer?
“I started playing as well as my siblings when I was five. I stuck with it because I loved the freedom of soccer and made some of my closest friends through it.”
Who is your favorite professional soccer player?
“Rose Lavelle! She’s a center midfielder for the United States Women’s National Team and Manchester City teams.”
What drew you to the soccer team here at Susquehanna?
“I did an overnight with Alee Pettit and felt right at home at Susquehanna and with the soccer team! I loved that D3 allows me to play soccer competitively while pursuing other passions!”
What’s been some of your favorite memories here with the team?
“My absolute favorite was winning the Landmark Conference my sophomore year and traveling to Argentina.”
What has been a student-athlete for the past four years taught you?
“Being a student-athlete taught me how to manage my time and work well with others!”
Who or what is your biggest inspiration when it comes to soccer?
“My biggest inspiration is my best friend, Kate Ross! Not only was she junior athlete of the year last year, she does soccer and indoor/outdoor track and field. Her dedication to sports and running is unmatched.”
What is your advice to the first-year female soccer players?
“Be where your feet are planted. Our strength and conditioning coach my first year told us this piece of advice and it’s stuck with me since. When you’re at practice, be at practice. Focus on your studies and other activities after. Being present not only helps your game but let’s you enjoy the little moments in practice and bond with your team.”
If you could relive any game, which one would it be and why?
“Our game against the U20 Argentina National Team! This was one of my first games back after I tore my ACL and we played on a field that Lionel Messi trained on!”
What are you going to miss the most?
“My team! We traveled to games in New York, Washington DC, Maryland and even overseas to Argentina. I met my best friends on and off the field!”