Lute Salute Series

TACOMA, Wash. - Pacific Lutheran University women's soccer senior Tasha Tennyson will always cherish the memories made with her teammates on the Lute soccer team. 
 

Hometown: Seattle, Wash.

Highlights: 8 career goals 20 career points 51-12-9 overall record 3-time NWC Champion

Her favorite memory is beating rival team University of Puget Sound on their home field for the first time during the fall of her junior year. She also enjoyed traveling to away games with her teammates.

"Every bus ride and plane ride was a memory for me," Tennyson said. "I tried to soak up as much of it as I can, because I know I will never again be in that type of situation where I can travel with 20 of my friends and just enjoy the journey."

Tennyson believes her experience at PLU prepared her to be successful in her career. Juggling academics and athletics taught her how to handle stress and her coaches and teammates provided guidance throughout her undergraduate career.

"Without the consistent support from my teammates, I would not be where I am athletically or academically. It has taught me that I can do a lot more than I think I can, if only I keep going," Tennyson said.

Tennyson is particularly grateful for the support of her coach, Seth Spidahl.

"I will probably be quoting the things that Seth tells us until I have kids of my own to tell them. He has been such an incredible advocate for us becoming a better player and above all person," Tennyson said. "He has taught me that nothing is given, all is earned. I will take that drive to my career, future family, and everything that I do."

On the pitch, the Seattle, Washington native has appeared in 56 games over the past four seasons, making 23 starts. Tennyson has scored eight goals and collected four assists as a Lute, including three game-winning goals. The forward has helped the Lutes win three Northwest Conference titles, make two NCAA Tournament appearances and boast a 51-12-9 overall record, including a 44-8-5 mark in NWC play and a 25-3-4 record on the turf at East Field. 

"It's been awesome to watch Tasha's growth as a person during her time here at PLU," said Head Coach Seth Spidahl.

"Her recruiting process was fairly short and quick so I didn't know her very well before she arrived at PLU. Her freshman year was definitely a development year for her but she got better and better on the field and was a starter by her junior year. More importantly, she found a passion in Computer Science and has grown into a very strong personality on this team. She is definitely ready for her next step in life and will be a success in whatever and wherever life decides to take her."

Tennyson will graduate in May with a degree in Computer Science and a minor in Business Administration.