By Danielle Achin
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NATICK – As a former Framingham High Flyer, Isabella Tersoni never would have pictured herself working as the new Assistant Athletic Director for Natick High School.
Although she is a Flyer alumni, Tersoni said it has been such a privilege to be able to represent Natick Public Schools and Natick Athletics.
“If you had told me back in high school that I would be wearing red one day I would’ve never believed you,” said Tersoni. ” It’s funny, I have had quite a few people poke fun at me from both sides of the rivalry, all with love of course. I can still remember playing lacrosse games at Memorial Stadium … I loved nothing more than a Framingham vs Natick rivalry.”
Tersoni is grateful for her time at Framingham, as it shaped her into the person she is today.
A 2017 Framingham High graduate, Tersoni was a member of the girls swim & dive team and the girls lacrosse team.
After high school, Tersoni went on to play college lacrosse at Merrimack. Two years at the D2 level and two years at the D1 level.
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Tersoni said this had been a dream of hers since she was a little girl and was so lucky to be able to play a sport she “adored” for 14 years.
Although she had a passion for swimming, Tersoni ultimately decided to continue her lacrosse career and end her swimming career after high school.
Ironically, she never planned to join the swim team going into high school, but a friend suggested it to her so she “went for it.”
“I had the pleasure of swimming for long-time head coach Mike Foley, who really showed me what being an effective and motivating coach was all about. I made sure to carry his lessons with me through my collegiate lacrosse career. All athletes have that one coach that truly inspires them to be better each day, Mike Foley will always be that coach for me,” said Tersoni.
“I was very fortunate for my four years on that team as they gave me some of my most fond sports memories and truly drove my love for high school athletics. Although this may come as a surprise, considering I played college lacrosse, I think it shows the importance of multi-sport athletes, and how much a coach can impact an individual,” she added
“I wouldn’t be here, without so many people who helped me over at Framingham High especially (athletic director) Paul Spear and (assistant athletic director) Ashley Paulsen who really guided me and showed me so much of what this profession was all about,” said Tersoni.
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“I had the opportunity to intern for them during the 21-22 school year. Without them, where I am would not be possible. I am so grateful to have them as two of my mentors in the world of high school athletics and in life,” Tersoni added.
Tersoni started as assistant athletic director at Natick this fall.
Tersoni said she hopes to contribute to the many accomplishments of the school’s athletic department and help continue to make athletics a positive experience for all athletes and aspiring athletes.
“I really hope that I can inspire young female students and student athletes to not be afraid to follow your passion and dreams,” she said. “Historically, athletics has been a male dominated field. To be a young woman working in this profession is something special and something I don’t take lightly,” said Tersoni.
Tersoni said she is beyond grateful to be given this opportunity with the help of everyone along the way. She said she is honored to be working with highly-respected Natick High Athletic Director Tim Collins.
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“Tim has been here for me every step of the way and I have already learned so much from him in such a short period of time. He has kept athletics here competitive, a positive experience, and done more behind the scenes than many people realize on a daily basis. Without him, this place would not operate effectively. I am beyond fortunate to work for him,” said Tersoni.
Tersoni said everything has truly been a dream come true for her.
“Not many people can say they love their job and honestly mean it. I am lucky enough to be in that position at a young age. I hope to be in Natick for a long time. In just two months alone, I can see myself really calling this place a home away from home,” she said. “I will always be a Flyer, but I am so lucky to now become a RedHawk.”
Danielle Achin is a fall 2022 SOURCE intern. She is a senior English major with a concentration in journalism and a minor in psychology at Framingham State University. Danielle has been an athlete since she started gymnastics at age 4. She joined the Framingham State cheerleading team freshman year and recently won the 2022 National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) National Championship for the first time in Framingham State history. She is also one of the Sports editors for Framingham State’s student newspaper The Gatepost.
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