Page 3 - SD Woman Cover Story San Diego Mojo

Women of Distinction

sports growing up, but ultimate- dedication to your craft. Be land but has played for various These are just two of the
ly, when I started playing volley- patient and continue to find joy teams during her career. She amazing members of Team
ball at the age of 12, I instantly in the growing process.” stands at only 5’ 5” but is quick Mojo. Take a few minutes to
fell in love with it. When you watch Stone and agile, and always seems to visit the Mojo site and check out
Stone is in her fourth year play it is obvious that she has anticipate where she should be their impressive roster (https://
as a pro volleyball player. “In my a tremendous work ethic and in every play. Her commitment provolleyball.com/teams/san-di-
first season, I played for Volero approaches each match as if it to the game is obvious as well as ego-mojo/roster).
Le Canet in France. Then, I spent was the biggest of her life. You her ability to be a team play- Along with the importance
the next two years playing for can tell from watching her, both er. Her experience on the pro of the team that the mojo has
AU (Athletes Unlimited) and in during games and in practice, level includes playing time in placed on the court comes the
Puerto Rico for Las Pinkin de that she is a force to be reckoned Spain, Switzerland, Asia, Turkey, expertise of the coaching staff,
Corozal, where we won back-to- with. She dominates the court the USA, and, of course, her which is of utmost importance.
back championships. and is a consummate profession- homeland of Thailand. She is a Head coach Tayyiba Haneef-
I asked Stone what advice al. She has definitely gone on to ten-time Southeast Asian Games Park was born and raised in
she could share with young fulfill her childhood dream. Champion. With her varied Laguna Hills, attending Laguna
girls wanting to follow in her Nootsara Tomkom (#13) experience and expertise, she is Hills High School and Long
footsteps. She said, “Never stop has been playing volleyball a major asset to the Mojo roster. Beach State. A standout player
learning—always strive to be a professionally as a setter for 16 Tomkom is in her 17th year as in college, she went on to partic-
student of the game. You don’t years and is considered one of a pro and is most definitely a ipate in the Olympics and won
become a professional overnight. the best setters in the world. She major force within the San Diego silver medals in 2008 and 2012.
It takes years of hard work and was born and raised in Thai- Mojos. Haneef-Park played for various

Photos by Dawn Nicoli/ Nicoli Productions Photos Courtesy of San Diego Mojo

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