Orange Lutheran senior Ethan Tidd is only in his second year of playing lacrosse, but he has already made a significant impact in a sport he never expected to play.
 
"Ethan's raw athleticism, grit and character quickly earned him a starting spot in our rotation when he made the jump from football to lacrosse last year," says OLu boys lacrosse head coach John Padama. "He's the type of kid you can put in any position on the field, and he will make an immediate impact. Ethan is a consistent bright spot in our program and has been a true pleasure to coach."
 
As a midfielder for the Lancers, Tidd enjoys the challenge of playing on both sides of the ball. Although he is new to the sport, he's found a connection and chemistry with his teammates that has helped him grow both as a player and as a leader on the field.
 
"I enjoy the camaraderie of the team that we have, the brotherhood that we're building, and that we can all come together and work as one unit," says Tidd.
 
Tidd is one of 14 seniors on OLu's varsity roster this year, and his goal, along with his teammates, is to bring home the program's first CIF title, a historic achievement that would cap off their high school careers. With the Lancers off to a strong start this season, he believes their goal is well within reach.
 
"We want to win a championship and leave a statement season," says Tidd.
 
As a newcomer to the game, Tidd faced some challenges early on in adapting to the sport. But through developing his skills, the 19-year old has learned some valuable lessons.
 
"When things gets hard, just keep on going," says Tidd. "Even though I was new to (lacrosse), I still picked it up, I still kept on pursuing and going to practice every day. So when it gets harder, just keep on pushing. And don't be afraid to try something new."
 
Outside of school and sports, Tidd enjoys hiking, rock climbing and spending time with friends at the beach. His plans for after graduation will likely include attending community college as he works to become a firefighter.
 
He is grateful to his trainer, Bradley Randle, as well as his parents, for inspiring him and modeling a strong work ethic. As a Temecula resident, Tidd's mother was committed to ensuring he got to school each day, making the long drive to support his education and athletic pursuits.
 
Tidd acknowledges that his faith has been integral to his experience as a student athlete at OLu and played a role in the transition from football to lacrosse. He believes that trusting God in this new journey has helped him embrace new challenges and find success on the field.
 
"My faith has guided me a lot," says Tidd. "We were in a chapel one day, and Proverbs 19:21 came up on the board. It was saying that we have a plan, but God's plan for us is going to prevail."