Tessani Foster '22 Recruiting Profile

I had always been interested in trying track, but with a demanding 20 hours/week gymnastics schedule, it seemed improbable that I could have enough time to try the sport. In February of 2021, I realized my heart was no longer in gymnastics after 10 years of competing at a JO club level. Although it was brand new, I was so excited to start training for track and putting my time and energy into new things. 

I joined my high school track team during my junior year at Plainfield Central High School with no previous track background and soon found that I loved the sport even more than I believed I would and excelled in certain areas due to my previous gymnastics training. I was always told by my grandma that "attitude is altitude." I hold that statement true each and every day as I try to be uplifting and supportive to both myself and everyone around me. Due to my dedication, positive spirit, and determination, I was recognized as a Co-Captain for my team and have made so much progress with growing and utilizing my strength and athletic ability and with developing relationships with each girl on my team. I mainly competed in the high jump and the long jump during my high school season, but I also trained for and ran the 200m and the 400m. I additionally began training pole vault with Rise Athletic Club at the end of May 2021 and have made so much progression (as shown in the progression video on my account). I cleared 10'6" on October 23rd at the RISE PV meet and am aiming for a new PR of 11'6" at the following meet on November 20th!

I began running for Pacesetters II Track Club for the summer and decided at the end of June that I wanted to train for the Heptathlon after only knowing how to do 3/7 events. I pushed myself to learn the new events and placed 2nd at the USATF Illinois Regional All-Comers Meet, qualifying me for the USATF Nationals JO Meet. At the JO National Championships, I placed in the top 20 with a score of 3325.

I am looking for a school where I can grow academically and athletically and contribute to my future team. I am putting in the work each day to continuously grow as a person and a competitor and am so excited to see where this sport will take me!