Starting her football career on a small rural field in Puhoi, Tessa soon made herstory, when at 11 years old, she became the youngest player in New Zealand history—male or female—to play and score in the Premier League, the country’s top senior competition. Tessa went on to represent New Zealand at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Japan and was listed for the Football Ferns 2012 London Olympic campaign.

Tessa attended university in America on a full scholarship, playing Division 1 Women's Soccer for a nationally ranked team. It was during her studies in the United States that her maiden business venture, The Merchandise Collective was born. Demonstrating a blend of entrepreneurial foresight and strategic acumen that would become a hallmark of her career.

Upon returning to New Zealand, Tessa joined Crimson Education and founded Crimson Athletics, an industry-leading global admissions consultancy. Supporting students in their journey to gain admission to some of America's most prestigious universities. With a recent $1B valuation, the series-D Kiwi start-up is now a leading player in the EdTech industry.

In 2016, anticipating the evolving needs of her community, Tessa ran as an independent candidate for Auckland Council and was elected to represent the Rodney Ward. Her tenure focused on regional development, effective representation, and fostering long-term growth.

Today, Tessa’s influence extends to environmental and community initiatives as Chairperson of the Mahurangi Coastal Path Trust, President of Mahurangi Action Incorporated and Chief Executive of Squash NSW.