Ray Tomlinson OLY
Hall of Fame Class: 2006 Role: Coach
As an athlete, Tomlinson represented Australia in 34 games from 1968 to 1976. He played in three Olympics and two World Championships before beginning a career as a successful coach.
He had great success in the WNBL and has the fourth best all-time coaching record having won 145 matches.
He was appointed coach of the country’s first ever junior women’s team in 1985 and went on to coach the team to its first ever World Championship gold medal in Korea in 1993.
He is also attributed to having made a significant impact on the careers of several senior Australian players including the likes of Sandy Brondello, Michelle Brogan, and Lauren Jackson. Ray;
Achievements
– Represented Australia as an athlete in 34 games from 1968 to 1976.
– Began his coaching career following his retirement as an athlete.
– Had great success in the WNBL and has the fourth best all-time coaching record with 273 games (145 wins, 128 losses).
– Has had a major influence on Australian senior stars such as Sandy Brondello, Lauren Jackson, Penny Taylor, and Kristi Harrower.
– Represented Australia in three Olympic Games – 1968, 1972, 1976.
– Represented Australia in two World Championships – 1970, 1974.
– Appointed coach of the first Australian junior women’s team – 1985.
– Coached the junior women’s team to Australia’s first ever medal at an official tournament when the team won a Junior World Championship bronze medal – 1989.
– Coached the junior women’s team to Australia’s first ever gold medal at an official tournament when the team won the Junior World Championship in Korea – 1993.
– Life Member of the WNBL – 1997.
– Inducted into the Basketball Australia Hall of Fame in 2006.
