Terttu “Tepa” Haronoja was born in Kalajoki, Finland. Haronoja graduated high school in Raahe, Finland and then enrolled at The Sport Institute in Vierumaki, Finland. This was a highly competitive institution which enrolled equal numbers of men and women. Haronoja focused her studies on biomechanics as applied to gymnastics and diving. In 1968, she matriculated to the University of Helsinki’s Department of Physical Education and Dance where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 1971. Then, Haronoja moved to Iowa to complete her master’s degree. In 1971, she initiated the University of Iowa gymnastics club team. In 1973, when the team became an intercollegiate sport because of the passage of Title IX, she became the first head coach. That same year, Tepa Haronoja completed her master’s degree with thesis in Education. Haronoja coached at Iowa until 1979. Under her leadership, the gymnastics team competed extensively, including national championships. After her time at the University of Iowa, Haronoja earned a master’s degree in finance and information systems from the University of Colorado at Denver. She had a corporate business career as an information systems specialist in Colorado until her retirement in 2013.