TESSA TALO-TOMOKINO – New Zealand
NSU Women’s Basketball
In the first minutes after taking the court for her first game for the RiverHawks women’s basketball team, Tessa Talo-Tomokino dropped through a long-range 3-point basket. Simultaneously, while listening to the game in her homeland of New Zealand, her mom heard the announcer say…that’s a big 3 for Triple T…
“I loved it (Triple-T) because I carry the first name of my biological father as well as my stepdad’s last name,” replied the now four-year member of the RiverHawks women’s basketball team. “I take a lot of pride in that I can represent my family by my actions everyday.”
After graduating in 2018 from high school in her homeland of New Zealand, Tessa connected with Northeastern State University through a recruiting video with hopes of playing basketball in the United States.
“I talked with the coaches and then came to Tahlequah on a visit with my mum. I fell in love with NSU from the very first moment I stepped on campus.”
Separated by an 18-hour flight when departing from Houston, Texas, Tessa admits being so far away from Auckland, New Zealand has its challenges but those struggles have become another reason for her love for NSU.
“I have my days but Facetime and social media let’s me stay in touch. I also have lots of friends here, teammates and even my professors that are like family that help me in my homesick moments.”
Asked to define herself in three words, Tessa, who completed her undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice last spring, expressed her thoughts with a big smile of satisfaction.
“Trustworthy and faithful is the person I try to be everyday. Most important is loyalty. It’s something that’s a big thing in my family.”
And according to the grad student who continues to play a key role for the women’s basketball team this season, loyalty and commitment to a student’s success is why she would encourage everyone to choose NSU when seeking a pathway to future success.
“Coming from a big city to Tahlequah has taught me the importance of spending time with friends,” said Tomokino, who plans to remain in the U.S. to continue her professional career. “As an athlete and as an international student, I’ve been blessed to be part of a family based environment where everyone takes care of one another and goes out of their way to support you and ensure you will achieve success.”
