tessa_knight.jpgThis talented three-sport athlete has proudly worn the red, white and blue of Sutherlin High School for the past four years. Douglas County Sports Online shines the Athlete Spotlight on senior Tessa Knight.

Knight has had a long and successful career in Sutherlin as a three-year starter in volleyball and a four-year starter for the softball program. This past fall, she earned second team all-league honors as a middle hitter; and last season, Tessa was a second team all-state selection in softball.

Through the first 15 games of 2010, the speedy second baseman is leading the undefeated Bulldogs in most offensive categories including batting average (.500); hits (28); runs scored (25); and stolen bases (27). 

"We have a bunch of girls that really love to play softball and it's great to share that passion," Knight said. "We're a very young team, but still believe we have a good shot at winning a state championship."

"Tessa is a kid that gives 110 percent all of the time," Sutherlin softball coach Dave Hyland said. "She's a great role model and a fantastic all-around person."

If softball and volleyball weren't enough, Knight was also a member of the varsity cheerleading squad. Over the past two years, her talent and leadership has helped Sutherlin to back-to-back third place finishes at the OSAA state championships. avista_utilities.jpg

"We lost ten seniors from last year's squad," Tessa said. "To finish third was a great accomplishment because we had only three cheerleaders with competitive experience."

In the fall, Knight will attend Oregon State University in Corvallis and study veterinary medicine.