Tess Adams '25 Recruiting Profile

My name is Tess Adams. I am a 2025 discus, shot put, and weight thrower at Essex High School in Essex Junction, Vermont where I have been on varsity for all five of my track seasons so far. I would love to throw hammer as well, though it is not an event that is offered in Vermont.

My love for throwing began in 6th Grade. At first, I was confused as to why people would want to throw for a sport, for it seemed a little odd and unnatural. However, after the first day, I immediately got why: the feeling that accompanies a great throw. I love the joy and excitement of feeling my hard work pay off when the disc or shot releases off my fingers. When the marker announces my mark and it is a personal record, all of my stress and nerves from everything else going on in my life disappear. For those seconds while I’m in the circle and it’s just me and the implement, that mental space is so unlike any other sport I have participated in. After my first weeks of track in middle school, I knew that throwing was for me. That year when I went to the middle school state championship, I was inches away from podiuming. I was devastated, but in the parking lot I told my parents that I would return in a year and be on the podium. However, that next year was when COVID hit - my 7th Grade season was canceled and my 8th Grade season didn’t have a state championship. The goal that 6th Grade me made didn’t go away. Instead, I decided that high school was going to be the stage that I could shine on. 

I consider myself to be pretty shy and I tend to keep to myself, but through track, I have made a name for myself both through my results and also through being a friendly and supportive competitor. My freshman year, at states, I was the runner-up in disc with a standing throw of 106’ and I placed 6th in shot with a throw of 30’ 3.5”. Following that outdoor season, I knew I could go farther. In my sophomore year indoor season, I was the Vermont D1 State Champion in shot put with a throw of 31’ 9.5” and in weight throw, 33' 10". In my sophomore year outdoor season, I learned rotation for disc and continued to work on my glide in shot. I went from my indoor personal record in shot of 32’ 6.25” to winning the New England Qualifier (the Essex Invitational) meet with a throw of 38’ 3.5”, my new best. At the same meet, I was runner-up in disc with a new personal best of 131’. 

So far in my junior year indoor season, I am the Vermont D1 State Champion in shot put and weight throw. My new indoor shot PR is 38' 3.5" and my weight throw PR is 37'. I am looking forward to New Englands and Nationals in March. 

My goal for my junior year continues to be making 6th Grade me proud. I am eager to break the Vermont D1 State record for discus which also happens to be my school's record of 142’ and then hopefully the entire Vermont State record of 149’. While it will be challenging, I genuinely believe it is within reach for me. I also hope to spread my love of throwing by continuing to coach at the middle school and coach incoming students at the high school. I love teaching others and I have very strong leadership skills. My teachers and coaches have noted that I have a quiet leadership style that is very useful in the classroom and on the field. I am an active member of my school's Athletic Leadership Council, and as a sophomore, I was made throwing captain of my indoor and outdoor track teams. 

Outside of track, I am a very strong student. Academics have always been very important to me, and I love challenging myself. I have taken numerous honors classes as well as an AP, and I am currently taking three AP courses and one honors class. While doing so, I have maintained my 4.13 out of 4.3 GPA. I am a member of the Global Leadership Program, an academy that I was accepted into at my school. I am also a member of the Academy of Visual and Performing Arts, where I am focused on visual arts. I have taken advantage of many opportunities at my school and will continue to do so.

Being a student athlete has created an environment where I can really thrive in high school and I am looking for a college that both athletically and academically challenges and supports me.