Sam Tomlinson

Born of Olympian parents, Ray and Sandra Tomlinson, it seems I was destined to played basketball. Ever since I was a toddler, a basketball was always in my hands before starting in the junior ranks of the Melbourne Tigers Girls Basketball Club. With guidance from my father Ray Tomlinson, I entered the college pathway at NAIA level in Auburn-Montgomery before transferring to NCAA Division I Troy State University (now Troy University) in Alabama, where I helped lead the program to its first conference title and NCAA Tournament berth in 1997.

Following my college career, I was invited to be a part of the WNBA Draft before receiving one of 18 invitations to the WNBA's Utah Starzz training camp. Following my stint in the WNBA and having graduated with a degree in psychology, my professional journey entered a coaching and administrative path at three major division one colleges during the early 2000s: Kennesaw State, Georgia Tech, and Auburn.

Prior to my US basketball career, I graduated from the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra after spending two years with the program. I also represented Victoria at national championships from Under 16s through to Under 20s, winning gold in all five championships in which I played. This was followed by being a part of Australia's first team to win gold at a major international tournament, winning the 1993 Junior World Championship with the Gems, before playing for the Melbourne Tigers of the WNBL.

Following my elite playing career, and appreciating the value of the contribution it has made on my life, I wanted to show our junior Aussie girls how they can achieve this too and the possibilities and potentialities that could develop in their own lives. Being the eldest of four daughters, who are all basketball professionals, has given me a sense of responsibility in nurturing and mentoring young female basketball players and I would like to include other young exciting female players in this mentoring, with the Tomlinson name synonymous with success in basketball both in Australia and internationally.

Put simply I am quite knowledgeable in basketball in both the US and Australia and have a world of knowledge and experience, as well as being a friendly, encouraging individual that knows and has worked in the game in various levels and both countries. I now take on this venture - Aussie Basketball USA Pathways - with my father, the great Ray Tomlinson learning as much as possible about the game and helping young men and women pursue their dreams.