Born: 1981 (Napa, California)
Biography:
Logan Maile Lei Tom was born on May 25, 1981, in Napa, California. She is a former American indoor and beach volleyball player, as well as the current head coach of the Israel women’s national volleyball team. Tom’s remarkable career as a four-time Olympian at the outside hitter position makes her one of the most accomplished athletes in the history of the sport.
At the age of 19, Tom made history by becoming the youngest woman ever to be selected for an American Olympic volleyball team when she competed at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney. This early achievement marked the beginning of a long and successful journey in the world of volleyball.
Known for her incredible skillset and versatility, Tom excelled in all aspects of the game. She brought stability to the American serve receive and defense, while also providing the team with a solid attack and block at the net. From 2000 to 2012, Tom was an integral part of the national team, consistently raising the bar with her exceptional performance.
One of the highlights of Tom’s career came at the 2008 Olympics, where she helped Team USA secure a silver medal. Not only did she contribute significantly to the team’s success, but she also earned the prestigious title of Best Scorer. Tom repeated her silver medal performance at the 2012 Olympics, further cementing her legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
Aside from her Olympic achievements, Tom was also recognized on the international stage. In 2004, she was awarded the Most Valuable Player of the FIVB World Grand Prix, a testament to her exceptional skills and dedication to the sport.
In October 2021, Tom received one of the highest honors in volleyball as she was inducted into the International Volleyball Hall of Fame alongside Clay Stanley and Todd Rogers. This accolade solidifies her status as a true legend of the game and recognizes her significant contributions to the sport of volleyball.
Outside of her athletic accomplishments, Logan Tom’s personal life and upbringing shaped her into the remarkable athlete and person she is today. Born to Kristine and Melvyn Tom, Logan’s father was a former defensive end in the NFL, playing for the Philadelphia Eagles and the Chicago Bears. Despite growing up primarily with her mother and older brother Landon in Salt Lake City, Utah, she spent her summers in Hawaii with her father and his relatives, where she developed a love for surfing.
Tom attended Highland High School, where she left an indelible mark on the volleyball scene. She set the Utah state records for career kills, a record that stood until Utah moved to five-game matches. Tom also excelled in other sports, competing in basketball and track, earning an All-state selection in basketball. In her senior year, she placed third in the state in the javelin. Her academic prowess matched her athletic achievements, as she graduated with a impressive 4.00 GPA and ranked first in her class.
Tom’s extraordinary talent garnered attention early on, and in 1999, she was awarded the Gatorade Player of the Year for volleyball. Her exceptional skills and dedication paved the way for her historic selection as the youngest woman to ever represent the USA Olympic volleyball team at the age of 19 in 2000.
Logan Tom’s contributions to women’s athletics extend beyond the realm of volleyball. In 2003, she was named one of the eight finalists for the Women’s Sports Foundation Sportswoman of the Year Award in the team category, reflecting her impact on and off the court.
Tom attended Stanford University from 1999 to 2002, where she did not graduate with her class. However, she left an indelible mark on the volleyball program and demonstrated her commitment to excellence. Despite not completing her major in International Relations, she officially graduated from Stanford.
Logan Tom’s remarkable career has left an enduring legacy in the realm of indoor and beach volleyball. Her outstanding achievements, dedication to the sport, and the impact she has made on women’s athletics make her an inspiration to aspiring athletes around the world.
Awards:
– Best Scorer at the 2008 Olympics
– Silver medalist at the 2008 Olympics
– Silver medalist at the 2012 Olympics
– Most Valuable Player of the 2004 FIVB World Grand Prix
– Inductee into the International Volleyball Hall of Fame in 2021 (alongside Clay Stanley and Todd Rogers)