Nootsara Tomkom
Biography
Personal: Tomkom has received two royal decorations from former King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand: Commander (Third Class) of the Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant and Companion (Fourth Class) of the Most Admirable Order of the Direkgunabhorn. Her older sister, Nittaya, was her first coach and the inspiration behind her volleyball journey. She lists her father as someone who has made a significant difference in her life. If she were not playing volleyball, Tomkom's passion for food and cooking would have led her to become a chef. Her hobbies include traveling, shopping, and enjoying a variety of cuisines. She wears the No. 13 jersey because it is her lucky number.
2022 Season: During her inaugural Athletes Unlimited season in 2022, Tomkom appeared in all 45 sets. She finished fifth on the leaderboard with 3,027 points, showcasing her consistent and impactful performance. Tomkom had eight matches with 200 or more points, closing the season with five straight 200-point efforts, including a season-high 310 points against Team Valentin-Anderson in the penultimate outing on April 15. Tomkom's exceptional setting skills were evident throughout the season. She ranked second in the league with 533 assists and achieved 10 double-doubles, showcasing her ability to contribute both in setting and defensive plays. She also displayed her defensive prowess by ranking eighth in the league with 146 digs, and her nine service aces were ninth in the league. In the latter part of the season, Tomkom consistently posted impressive performances. She recorded 10 or more digs in nine of the final 13 outings, including three 13-dig performances over a four-match stretch from March 25 to April 1. Tomkom finished the season with three straight matches of 40 or more assists, including 43 assists in the Week Five opener against Team Lichtman. One of her standout matches was in the Week Two opener against Team Valentin-Anderson, where she tallied a season-high 45 assists. In this match, she also contributed 10 digs, securing her second double-double of the year while earning 279 points. Tomkom's contributions extended to helping Team Sheilla earn a three-set sweep over Team Drews on April 8, where she finished with 232 leaderboard points after notching 28 assists with eight digs. She also posted her third match with 200 or more leaderboard points in a Week Three win against Team De La Cruz, earning MVP 2 honors with 35 assists and 13 digs. Her defensive skills shone through with a season-high 13 digs in a double-double performance against Team Stivrins on March 25, where she also tallied 43 assists. Her first double-double of her Athletes Unlimited career came in the Week One finale against Team De La Cruz with 28 assists and 10 digs. Additionally, she contributed 33 assists off the bench in the Week One setback to Team McClendon.
Other Professional Experience: Tomkom is considered one of the best setters in the world and has played professionally since 2007. Her professional career has taken her to various countries, including Spain, Switzerland, Azerbaijan, Turkey, and her home country, Thailand. Most recently, she played for the Diamond Food Volleyball Club in Saraburi, Thailand.
International Experience: Tomkom joined the Thailand National Team at the age of 17 and has had an illustrious international career spanning two decades. She has achieved significant success, winning 10 Southeast Asian Games and two Asian Championships, solidifying her status as one of Thailand's most accomplished and respected athletes.