Over 80 girls’ basketball teams celebrated Tessa Beauchamp’s legacy with purple jerseys, fun games, and scholarships in Surrey’s annual tournament.
Surrey Gyms Glow Purple for Tessa’s Tournament
Surrey’s basketball courts were alive with energy and a sea of purple as more than 80 girls’ teams hit the hardwood for the 2026 Tessa’s Tournament. Held over January 30-31 across eight gyms in Fleetwood and Guildford, the event honored the memory of Tessa Beauchamp, a passionate basketball player whose life was cut short by a brain tumor at just 18.
This year, the tournament expanded beyond Surrey, with six teams in Kelowna joining the action, showing how Tessa’s legacy continues to inspire young athletes across British Columbia.
A Celebration, Not Just a Competition
Unlike typical tournaments, Tessa’s Tournament doesn’t focus on playoffs or finals. Instead, it gives Senior, Junior, and Grade 8 girls teams a platform to enjoy the sport, gain experience, and prepare for upcoming zone playoffs. Some games even determine seeding, but the emphasis is always on fun, sportsmanship, and community.
“It’s not about winning,” said Steve Beauchamp, Tessa’s father. “We get to see great games, teams bonding, and smiles everywhere. Tessa would have loved this.”
Purple Everywhere: Honoring Tessa
Tessa’s favorite color, purple, dominated the tournament. Players sported purple jerseys, water bottles, banners, balloons, and even teddy bears. Fans cheered from bleachers decked out in purple, complete with noise makers and signs.
A highlight was the matchup between Vernon and Holy Cross senior girls, where Vernon coach Dave Tetrault created special “Tessa” shirts for players—a touching tribute to the young athlete.
Schools Across Surrey Host the Action
Games took place at multiple venues, including Holy Cross, St. Matthews Elementary, Surrey Christian, Fleetwood Park, Johnston Heights, St. John Paul II, and Pacific Academy. This wide participation shows just how deeply Tessa’s story has resonated with local schools and communities.
Scholarships Keep Tessa’s Spirit Alive
Every year, the Tessa Beauchamp Foundation awards four $1,000 scholarships to student-athletes who embody Tessa’s caring, competitive, and compassionate spirit. This year’s winners are:
- Makenna Banks (Mark Isfeld)
- Isla Jolly (Vernon)
- Mila Wojciechowski (Holy Cross)
- Taylor Johncox (Argyle)
“These scholarships celebrate Tessa’s incredible spirit and passion for life,” the foundation says.
Tessa’s Tournament isn’t just basketball. It’s community, memory, and joy, all painted in purple. For the players, fans, and families involved, it’s a reminder that her love for the game and for people lives on.
