Tess Ferguson, Baldwin High School senior attacker, has committed to play women’s lacrosse for the Ithaca Bombers. Tess has played varsity lacrosse since the eighth grade but unfortunately missed out on her junior season due to coronavirus concerns. Although she wasn’t able to play the breakout season she was prepared for, Tess is ready to make the most of her final season as a Bruin.
Q: What about Ithaca and its lacrosse program helped you decide it was the right school for you?
A: I got the chance to visit Ithaca for the first time in mid February, and although it was about 15 degrees, I totally fell in love with it. After speaking with Coach Moore and being able to watch the girls practice, I knew I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to play for her and experience the competitive team dynamic for myself.
Q: How did you get into lacrosse and how long have you been playing for?
A: I’ve been around lacrosse all my life! My dad got my two older brothers and I playing when we were each in elementary school. Just about everything I know is from the three of them.
Q: When you’re not on the lacrosse field, what else are you likely to spend your time doing?
A: I love to write! As somebody who wants to pursue a career in journalism, I spend much of my free time writing both creative works and current event articles for upcoming blogs. Besides playing lacrosse, I’m most excited to attend the Park School of Communications at Ithaca!
Q: Who’s your biggest role model either in the sport or outside of lacrosse?
A: Definitely my dad. He was my first ever coach when I began playing for my local PAL team, and has taught me basically everything that I know about the sport. He pushes me to be the best version of myself every single day and shows me what it means to be truly dedicated. I don’t know a harder worker than him.
Q: What is one thing you can’t live without?
A: Music! I’m not exaggerating when I say I’m always listening to music. I definitely couldn’t do a pre game bus ride without it.
Q: What is your go-to IPhone app?
A: To go along with music, it’s got to be Spotify. I have a playlist for just about everything!
Q: Have you always played attack? What about this position has made you stick to it?
A: I actually played midfield all the way up until I made the varsity team in eighth grade. Coach LaFlare ran a box offense which really allowed me to put my stick skills to work on the crease, and I’ve been there ever since. I would love to get back into the midfield game real soon though!
Q: What are you looking forward to most about the next upcoming season?
A: It’s as simple as just being on the field again! I miss my teammates more than anything. I’m more than excited to just get to work with them this year. We already have the chemistry and I see some serious potential whenever we get together. I’m so excited to have a great last ride and see how this all plays out.
Q: Are there any particular coaches or teammates that have taught you valuable lessons about the sport of lacrosse or life that you frequently keep in mind?
A: In eighth grade, I had the opportunity to play with Stony Brook’s Sarah Pulis when she was a senior at Baldwin. After each game, my dad would point out how she consistently put herself out there and took risks. She left her whole heart on the field every time. Her game has influenced mine tremendously. Now more than ever, I make a point to put myself out there every time I step on the field.
Q: How has your time playing for FLG helped you improve your game or helped you get to play on a collegiate level?
A: I began playing for FLG in the eighth grade and I honestly wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. Through such inclusive training, my game has improved so much throughout the years. I’ve met such incredible people through the program. I truthfully don’t think that I would be where I am today without them.
