Tessa was born on September 2, 1994 in Warkworth, New Zealand. She began her football career as a 5-year-old and went on to become the youngest person ever, male or female to play and score in the Premier League, New Zealand's top-flight senior competition at just 11 years of age.

Tessa went on to have a decades-long career, most notably, attending the FIFA Women's World Cup in Japan, being named to the Football Ferns long-listed squad for the 2012 London Olympics and receiving the coveted ASB Bank New Zealand Young Sportsperson of the Year Award in 2012.

An Epsom Girls Grammar School graduate, Tessa attended Florida Gulf Coast University on a full scholarship, studying majors in business management and accounting with a concentration in entrepreneurship. Earning a perfect 4.0 grade point average, gaining prestigious Presidents List honours. It was during her studies in the United States that her maiden business venture, The Merchandise Collective was born.

Upon returning to New Zealand in 2015, Tessa brought her experience to Crimson Education, founding their global subsidiary, Crimson Athletics. Building an industry-leading global admissions consultancy, supporting thousands of students in their journey to becoming collegiate athletes at some of America's most prestigious universities. With a recent valuation of USD $550M, the series-C Kiwi start-up is now a leading player in the EdTech industry, recognised as a GSV EdTech 150, Deloitte "Master of Growth" and multi-year "Fast 50" company.  

Ahead of the 2016 New Zealand Local Body Elections, Auckland was poised to elect a candidate capable of bridging the gap between generations and championing the voice of the community. Recognising Rodney’s imminent growth, Tessa stood as an independent candidate and was successfully elected to Auckland Council representing the Warkworth Subdivision of the Rodney Ward where she served one term before retiring in 2019.

An environmental advocate, Tessa remains engaged in the community, serving as the Chairperson of the Mahurangi Coastal Path Trust. A project of national significance, The Mahurangi Coastal Path links 900 hectares of regional parkland with public transport. The first of its kind in New Zealand, it offers walking, cycling, and bridle trail access to users wanting to explore the three regional parks (Mahurangi, Te Muri, and Wenderholm) that it connects. Tessa also holds the position of President of Mahurangi Action Incorporated. Established in 1974, the environmental organisation is involved in the Auckland Regional Council-initiated Mahurangi Action Plan, the principal aim of which is to address the harbour’s elevated sediment accumulation rate.

2024

SQUASH NSW

CEO

The governing body for squash in New South Wales, Australia, made a significant move in January, appointing Tessa as its new Chief Executive Officer. This decision comes as part of the organisation’s ongoing efforts to revitalise and grow the sport within the region. Tessa brings with her a vision that involves collaboration and innovation to build on the organisation's rich history and promote the sport across the state and beyond. Berger’s appointment is seen as a strategic move, leveraging her diverse background and leadership skills to spearhead a resurgence in the relevance and participation of the sport.

2017

CRIMSON EDUCATION

GENERAL MANAGER

In early 2017, Tessa accepted a position with Crimson Education, founding their global subsidiary, Crimson Athletics. Building an industry-leading global admissions consultancy, supporting thousands of students in their journey to becoming collegiate athletes at some of America's most prestigious universities. With a recent valuation of USD $550M, the series-C Kiwi start-up is now a leading player in the EdTech industry, recognised as a GSV EdTech 150, Deloitte "Master of Growth" and multi-year "Fast 50" company.

2016

AUCKLAND COUNCIL

POLITICIAN

Ahead of the 2016 Auckland Council Local Body Elections, Rodney was poised to elect a candidate capable of bridging the gap between generations and championing the true voice of the community. Recognising Rodney's imminent growth, Tessa knew that there was a need for strong yet smart local representation to produce the best possible outcomes across the ward. At just 21 years old, Tessa stood and was successfully elected as an independent candidate to Auckland Council's Rodney Local Board, representing the Warkworth Subdivision where she served one term before retiring in 2019.

2015

MAHURANGI COASTAL PATH TRUST

CHAIRPERSON

Tessa is Chairperson and one of six trustees formally consented to serve on the Mahurangi Coastal Path Trust. The coastal path will link 900 hectares of regional parkland, with public transport at Waiwera. It’s the first of its kind, offering walking, cycling, and bridle trails to users wanting to explore not one but the three regional parks (Mahurangi, Te Muri and Wenderholm) that it connects. In conjunction with the MCPT, Tessa spearheaded a campaign in 2016 to see Te Muri Regional Park remain car-free, with an overwhelming number of submissions supporting the concept of a coastal path as the principal form of access. After a formal hearings process, Auckland Council, without discussion, voted to adopt the recommendations of the independent commissioners on Te Muri.

2015

THE MERCH COLLECTIVE

CEO

The concept of the collective was born in Tessa’s college dormroom in Florida and further developed upon her return home to New Zealand from the US. The Merchandise Collective, an international merchandising enterprise, was launched in February of 2015 at Tu Ngutu Villa. Offered are a range of merchandising services that seek to provide tailored minimalistic pieces of the highest quality.

2014

MAHURANGI ACTION

PRESIDENT

Tessa was elected President of Mahurangi Action Incorporated in November of 2015, having previously served as the organisations Vice-President from 2014. Throughout her tenure, Tessa has initiated several large scale environmental projects and events including a Mahurangi-based NZD $1m green-lipped mussel reef restoration research project; the principal aim of which is to address the harbour’s elevated sediment accumulation rate. In 2015 she successfully built and implemented a multi-phased pilot programme for the Auckland Council, after developing a web-based app and accreditation programme aimed at reducing small-scale sediment mitigation on building sites. Tessa also hosts the annual Mahurangi Regatta, a regional event that welcomes over 5,000 people and 1,000 boats into the Mahurangi Harbour for a full day of sailing and onshore events, capped off by a formal evening ball.

2012

NEW ZEALAND FOOTBALL

ATHLETE

Tessa, a former Adidas athlete, has represented New Zealand on the international stage. Attending the 2012 FIFA Women's World Cup held in Japan and as a 16-year-old was named ASB Bank Young Sportsperson of the Year and to the New Zealand Woman's Football Ferns long-listed squad for the 2012 London Olympics. Tessa attended Florida Gulf Coast University on a full athletic scholarship, playing Division 1 Women's Soccer for the Eagles, a top 25-ranked team. She received the coveted All-conference first team, and freshman accolades, as well as best defensive player in the Atlantic Sun Conference. Tessa most recently captained Forrest Hill Milford United to victory on September 11, 2016 in the ASB Women's Knockout Cup and received the Maia Jackman trophy, named Most Valuable Player of the final.