Today, Rattler Senior Tessa Christiansen signed to swim at Southern Methodist University (SMU), a Division 1 NCAA, Power 4 program in the ACC. During the signing ceremony at Ronald Reagan High School, Tessa was joined by her parents, Brian & Johanna Christiansen, her siblings Sophia & Harold Christiansen, her grandfather Harold Atkinson, Reagan’s Head Aquatics Coach Michael Rourke, teammates, and friends.
Tessa is a captain on the Reagan Swim Team, a 4-year Varsity Letterman, and swims in the Nationals Group for club team Alamo Area Aquatics. For the Texas High School State 6A Swim Meets, Tessa has made Finals in 4 individual events and 6 relays. Tessa is a Vice President of the National Honor Society and served as Vice President of the National Charity League. Academically, Tessa is in the top 4% of her high school class and a USA Swimming Scholastic All American and NISCA All American. Tessa was also selected for two years in a row for the San Antonio Express Newspaper 6A All Area Swim Team.
Tessa has Juniors, Winters, and Futures National times. Tessa achieved her U.S. Open Time in the 200-meter Backstroke. Her 400-freestyle relay achieved 2nd place in the state of Texas for the 6A High School Swim Meet. For her high school swim meets so far this season, Tessa has achieved 1st place in all her individual events and set the Reagan High School 100-yard Backstroke record. Tessa also holds the Reagan High School record in the 200-yard Backstroke.
Already a community leader, Tessa volunteers with Respite Care, the Woman’s Club of San Antonio, Texas Diaper Bank, the Bulverde Humane Society, and Haven for Hope. Tessa is also the 2026 Fiesta Teen Queen –promoting non-profit organizations and culture in San Antonio.
SMU Swimming Head Women’s Coach Ozzie Quevedo stated: “Tessa Christiansen is an outstanding addition to the SMU Women’s Swimming and Diving team for the fall of 2026. What truly sets Tessa apart is her exceptional balance of academic ambition and athletic excellence. As a student, she consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to her studies, maintaining high academic standards and embracing the challenges of rigorous coursework with determination and curiosity. In the pool, Tessa’s disciplined training regimen and competitive spirit reflect her deep passion for the sport and her drive to continually improve.”
Coach Quevedo expects Tessa to have a great impact at SMU based on her past history of excellence, inside and outside of the pool. “Her ability to set and pursue lofty goals both in the classroom and in the pool speaks to her maturity, focus, and resilience which are qualities that will not only contribute to her personal success but also inspire her teammates and elevate our entire program,” Coach Quevedo continued. “Tessa embodies the ideal student-athlete, prepared to excel at SMU and make a lasting impact both academically and athletically.”
Reagan High School Coach Rourke spoke about Tessa’s impact on her club and high school teams. “I’ve had the privilege of knowing Tessa Christiansen for seven years, and it’s been incredible to watch her grow into the swimmer and person she is today” Coach Rourke said. “A multi-time All-American, state qualifier, and state silver medalist, Tessa’s accomplishments in the pool speak for themselves—but it’s her leadership, integrity, and kindness that have truly set her apart. She’s been a cornerstone of the Reagan Aquatics family, helping to shape our program’s culture and inspire her teammates.”
Coach Rourke went on to say what an asset Tessa will be in college aquatics. “SMU is gaining not just a talented athlete, but an exceptional individual,” he said. “It has been an honor to be a small piece of her journey, and I know that she will continue to excel in anything she puts her mind to. We will miss her deeply, but we can’t wait to see what she accomplishes next.”
Follow SMU Swimming on Instagram @SMUSwimDiveW and Tessa @Tessa_.Christiansen