Swartzentruber, a native of Sugarcreek, Ohio, was a two-time Inter Valley Conference First Team selection as a junior and senior at Garaway High School. She was a District All-Star and a regional qualifier as a junior when she ran a 21:04 at the district meet. She was also named to the All-County Second Team as a senior and was a two-time All-IVC Second Team pick as both a freshman and a sophomore.

"I am very excited about the addition of Tessa to our cross country program,” said MVNU head coach Chip Wilson. "She had an outstanding high school career and is determined to continue her success at the college level. Her running ability and personality will be a great fit for this team. She has the ability to step right in and make an immediate impact on our young team. I look forward to coaching Tessa, and I am excited to see her succeed at the next level.”

In addition to running cross country at Garaway, Swartzentruber was a member of National Honor Society and served as its secretary. She was a Student Council representative for two years and was also a member of French Club. She has also had three runner-up finishes in her age group in various distance races outside of her high school competition.

"There are several reasons why I chose MVNU,” said Swartzentruber of her college choice. "I wanted to attend a Christian school that will push me in my spiritual walk. I wanted to be a part of the academic program at MVNU that I have heard great things about. I also really wanted to be a part of the new cross country program.”

The MVNU cross country program was reborn in the fall of 2006 after not having a program since the 1979 season. The Lady Cougars were very competitive in their first season back culminating with a 14th-place finish out of 22 teams at the National Christian College Athletic Association national meet to finish out the year.