Norman said her contribution to the U.S. team cannot be measured just in statistics.

"Logan has made a huge contribution," Norman said. "They have benefited from her experience and her leadership skills. Every match, she's gotten better. She's already the best player in the world. ... She's doing a marvelous job."

Norman said it wasn't difficult to see Tom's talent — even at 13 years old.

"I remember the little girl who played baseball (she was a pitcher) coming into the gym in her cleats and knickers to try out," Norman said. "The first couple hits didn't go so well, but in no time she was missing the prom to play with the national team."

Was she always dominant?

"Absolutely, her talent was obvious," Norman said. "No doubt about it. She could see something done once and then do it. Some of us can practice forever, but she could just see something demonstrated and then do it. ... That's where she was magical."

Tom returned to Utah and Highland High in December of 2000 to have her jersey (No. 1) retired, an effort spear-headed by Norman. Then-Gov. Mike Leavitt also declared it Logan Tom Day, and the Utah Sports Commission honored her with a plaque. Private and very humble, Tom was overwhelmed and a bit surprised at her celebrity status.

"Logan really values people who knew her before she was famous," said former Highland High teammate Martha Brinton. "It was amazing playing with her ... but it was also hard. She was just on another level. It was a highlight, for sure."

Norman said Tom was instrumental in helping Utah get on the volleyball map.

"Logan kind of started it all," said Norman, who is also the executive director of Intermountain Volleyball Association, one of the 42 regions of USA Volleyball. "She was part of the generation that got good volleyball started. ... Now club volleyball has gotten very popular in Utah, and we've developed a lot of very nice players."

About a half-dozen Utah players are participating in the national team's A2 squad, a level below the Olympic Team. Another local, and coincidentally Stanford graduate, Kristin Richards, who graduated from Timpanogos High, was an alternate on this year's Olympic team.

"Logan paved the way and opened the eyes," Norman said. "We also have some great coaches in this state teaching very good volleyball. ... Kids are so lucky because to maximize talent you have to have top-quality coaches, and that's going on here a lot."

Tom would be embarrassed by the attention she's getting in Salt Lake City, and she's probably not giving it a lot of thought. Those who know her agree she's likely too focused on earning her first Olympic medal.