I'm new to ES and was playing Skyrim until my optical drives bit the dust. So I never got to finish my first ES game. I've tried to read up on classes and such, but there is a wealth of information available and honestly I've become confused. So, I wanted to ask what you all might consider a good build for a female who likes to Tank, carry a sword, and swipe foes with a shield. What race would be best, what class, etc as I would like to be prepared for TESO.

Thank you very much for any info!

all classes can tank only need heavy armor, shield and a weapon

then boom boom tank

Awesome! Thank you.

BTW, boom, boom tank, would make a great sig.

If you want to be a paladin-type tank that is strong defensively and can help heal, look at Templar. Dragon Knight has a couple choices, one line allows you to be very strong defensively, and other lines of Dragon Knight allow you to have more offense, pull enemies towards you, or instantly charge enemies (I think Templar has that last skill too). It really depends on your preferred playstyle.

I would also warn you that tanks can struggle in pvp because one of their main pve skills (taunt) is not useful. You will need to have a plan on how to battle ranged enemies, which is where the pull or charge abilities are very useful. Some ranged class dps skills would be handy too if you want to make sword and shield your sole weapons.

Personally I like the idea of a Templar in heavy armor with sword and shield who stays back and heals, and attacks anyone who charges his team's casters and healers. But without good ranged skills you might struggle or get bored in sieges and such where most of the combat is ranged. It really depends on your playstyle.