Tom Bloomquist has been a very influential figure at CHS for years. From voluntarily coaching the first ever volleyball team at CHS as well as being the assistant principal, to previously coaching at army navy, teaching at Sage Creek, and being the acting principal at Valley, he had done it all.
Mr. Bloomquist, better known to students and faculty as Bloomy, is the girls varsity volleyball coach as well as the athletic director at CHS. He’s been coaching volleyball at CHS for the past 10 years, but balancing both roles can be a struggle at times.
“Sometimes at 4 o’clock, I’ll have a coach that needs me, so if I was athletic director, my phone’s pretty much put away,” Bloomquist said. “But when I’m coaching and other things are going on, I always have it in my back pocket just in case.”
Another drawback of having both roles is missing out on other sporting events he would usually see if not for coaching. Despite this, Bloomquist still finds ways to support all athletes at CHS.
“I’m not at as many events as I would like to be in the fall,” Bloomquist said. “There were a couple friday football games away that I missed and I didn’t get to flag football nearly as much or even water polo nearly as much as I wanted to.”
In the past 10 years, Bloomquist has cultivated an inviting and supportive community for all athletes at CHS. He tries to make long lasting connections to CHS students and to help them in any way he can.
“His presence is huge on campus. He is friendly and he talks to all students and staff,” principal Julie Redfield said. “He is genuine and he truly cares about Carlsbad High School and the student’s well being.”
It’s evident that Bloomquist is a leader on campus from his expansive influence. But also his impact goes beyond the court and shines through his athletes in the classroom.
“Overcoming adversity. He’s really good about [teaching his athletes] ‘we make mistakes. What are we going to do to fix it? Let’s problem solve. Let’s talk, let’s embrace each other, support each other, just like you do in a class,’” Redfield said. “Problem solving and moving forward and don’t dwell on it, let’s find the strength, find the weaknesses, and move forward.”
It is so easy for many students to get caught up in what they want or how they feel and lose sight of the things around them. Bloomquist emphasizes the importance of being a team player to not only his athletes but all athletes at CHS.
“Bloomy put a very strong emphasis on the importance of playing for others and not yourself and I think that ideology has really stuck with me,” senior Eliya Dixon said. “I have tried really hard to implement his advice outside of volleyball and be proactive about not being selfish, overall I believe it has helped me grow as a teammate, friend, sister and daughter.”
The key to having a successful team is having a close-knit environment. Bloomquist does a great job of fostering this environment for his team by forming genuine relationships with each athlete, players describe the team culture as united and supportive.
“I think because he generally talks to the student athletes he gets to know them, not just how they are at school, he really cares,” Redfield said. “He has those conversations that are meaningful and is always wanting to let the students know that he’s available if they need anything.”
Bloomy was named Coach of the Year by CIF in recognition for building a strong culture and inspiring young athletes with dedication and teamwork. All of his work for CHS and the athlete programs does not go unnoticed.
“He is personable and approachable, he cares more about students than the outcome and makes sure the student athletes enjoy what they’re doing and are learning the skill or the sport, ” Redfield said. “I think he, because of his personality, his outgoing warmth and love for the sport and for students, makes him a very successful coach.”
