Tara Podesta

Athlete: Volleyball – Basketball - Softball

As one of the best female athletes to come out of Linden, Tara Podesta leveled her sights on a
very accomplished Volleyball career. A three sport athlete while at Linden High School, Tara
was also known throughout California as one of the top Horse Show Jumpers in the state.
Dedication is the best way to describe Tara. Regardless of what she was doing, she would,
through hard work, find a way to excel. Tara’s background in volleyball began on the club scene.
As a member of the original “Club Stockton” Volleyball program, she competed in tournaments
throughout the United States. She was also selected to compete in the Junior Olympics in
Florida, Ohio and New Mexico.

Tara’s arrival at Linden High School in 1988 would mark the beginning of one of the most
decorated athletic careers of any athlete. Whatever team she competed on, championships would
follow. From her start on the JV Volleyball team and on through her stints on both the Varsity
Basketball and Softball teams, Linden would be the recipient of multiple Mother Lode League
Championships.

Volleyball would prove to be her sport of choice. Making the tough decision to give up Horse
Jumping to concentrate on Volleyball was extremely difficult but her decision paid off. Each
year from the time Bill Rood promoted her to the Varsity as a sophomore, the volleyball team
would win M.L.L., Sac-Joaquin Section, and Nor-Cal Championships. “Tara was a player of
immeasurable heart, exceptional athletic ability, and a humble graciousness. Her boundless
enthusiasm was infectious to teammates, opponents, and spectators.” stated Rood. Tara would be
the recipient of many awards throughout her journey. But it was her junior year that the Lady
Lions Volleyball team would win the CIF State Volleyball Championship. Tara would go on to
be selected as a member of the California “All State” Volleyball team and her senior year she was
selected the M.L.L. MVP.

As with many athletes, great accomplishments garner great opportunities. Tara would have to
decide where she would play in college from the over 20 scholarship offers she received.
Ultimately, Fresno State would be Tara’s choice. She was the starting setter for the Bulldogs as a
freshman and re-wrote their record books. In her sophomore year, Tara would return home and
play for John Dunning and the University of the Pacific for the next three years, where she was a
standout and a fan favorite. But it was being named to the All Academic Big West Team for three
years in a row that she is the most proud. When Dunning heard about Tara’s induction into the
Hall of Fame he had this to say: “We always measure athletes by their ability and the size of their
heart. What Tara was willing to give and what she meant to her teammates, there was no one
bigger than Tara. I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this honor. I am extremely happy
for her.”

Again, as in high school, Tara would earn many awards. After an invitation to the Olympic
Developmental program, Tara signed with the Professional Indoor Volleyball League as a
member of the Sacramento Stars where she played with multiple Olympic Team Members.

After receiving her degree in Sports Medicine, Tara decided to stay in Linden to participate in the
family business, Podesta Farms. Tara currently lives in Linden with her husband Scott Bryant
and their two daughters, Brooke 8, and Mia 5.

The Linden Athletic Hall of Fame is proud and honored to induct Tara Podesta into its Athletic
Hall of Fame for her outstanding athletic careers at Linden High School, Fresno State and the
University of the Pacific.