Hilmar High’s Liv Peterson and Turlock High’s Jazmyn Tubbs are the 2019 Turlock Journal Co-Players of the Year. They are great friends, and they have many things in common, including also winning the Most Valuable Player award in their respective leagues, among other accolades.
On top of that, each helped her team win a league title, respectively, and a playoff berth. Peterson’s head coach Patti Harris won the Coach of the Year honors for the second straight year after leading her squad to a third consecutive Trans-Valley League title.
“I am feeling so blessed to be noticed for my hard work and accomplishments this year, but I still wouldn't be the player I am without the help of everyone around me, from teachers to teammates to coaches and family,” said Tubbs. “Overall, I am thankful for everything. I feel so honored to have been chosen as co-player of the year. But I am most honored to have been chosen alongside my best friend Liv. We began our first year of volleyball together at the age of 12 and now we get the perfect wrap up to our journey as we share this award.”
“One of the coolest things about being awarded Turlock Journal Co-Player of The Year is that the ‘co’ I get to share it with is one of my best friends that I was able to meet through this sport,” said Peterson. “It's incredible how many memories and new friends I've made by participating in volleyball and there is no other way that I'd like to end my career than sharing this award with Jaz."
Turlock tied with Gregori for the Central California Athletic League title, going 9-1 in the process and earning a berth in the Sac-Joaquin Section Division-I playoffs.
Their overall record saw them go 26-20 and finish ranked No. 218 in the state after reaching the quarterfinal round, following a 3-1 first round win over Woodcreek.
As a sophomore, Tubbs was also part of Turlock High volleyball history when they captured their first ever Sac-Joaquin Section Championship in Division-I during the fall of 2017.
"Jazmyn is not only an amazing volleyball player, she is one of the most coachable athletes I have ever had the privilege of having in the program. She is much loved by her teammates,” said Turlock head coach Amber Lugo.
In 72 sets played, Tubbs finished with 279 kills, 20 aces and 211 digs.
Tubbs has signed to play collegiate volleyball at Cal State Dominguez Hills.
“I couldn’t be happier about the time I spent playing volleyball for Turlock High. Being able to come in as a freshman and play varsity with my older sister Jadyn still is unbelievable to me,” said Tubbs. “It has been a great four years of accomplishments.”
Some of those accomplishments include the CCC Offensive Player of the Year as a sophomore, the CCC Defensive Player of the Year last season and then the CCAL MVP this fall.
“I have to give huge props to coaches Fatima Handy, Amber Lugo and Stacie Bronken for believing in my talents and always pushing me to be my best; I love you all,” said Tubbs. “Now, it is time to continue on my path of life and volleyball at Cal State Dominguez Hills next year.”
Peterson and the Yellowjackets made history, especially during her four-year tenure with the varsity program.
This past year Peterson capped off her senior season with a team-high 406 kills in 110 sets played along with a team-high 94 blocks. She was also second on the team in aces (49) and added 113 digs.
“Being awarded personally is a huge honor even though that is never a goal before or during the season. It is always nice to have other people notice your efforts,” said Peterson. “Overall I am happy with the season. I do wish that we could've gone farther during playoffs but we had some tough competition competing two divisions higher than our school typically plays.”
Hilmar finished the year with an overall record of 31-12 and an unblemished TVL posting once again and Peterson was in the mix of it all, while also winning her second straight TVL MVP.
The four-year varsity player helped her team close the season ranked No. 143 in the state and earn their 11th consecutive postseason berth under head coach Harris.
“Huge honor because I am playing side by side with some great players,” said Peterson. “We made school history by not only going undefeated in league but we also did not drop a set to any of our league opponents.”
Since 2012, Harris has led the Yellowjackets to a 90-4 TVL record, including six titles over the last eight seasons.
Coach Harris led her team to their seventh straight Sac-Joaquin Section semifinal game, but this time at D-III after reaching the D-IV final the last six years. They also reached the CIF state tournament for the seventh straight year.
To make things even more interesting, they also captured the program’s third straight Trans-Valley League title, going a perfect 12-0 once again after not dropping a single set all season long. In league play, Hilmar outscored opponents, 36-0.
"It is such an honor to get that award. There are many great coaches in the area and that makes it all the more special. Great Christmas present, thanks,” said Harris.
Hilmar went on to reach this year’s D-III SJS semifinal, and also winning their first-round game in the CIF State D-III bracket against Rio Americano, 3-0, before falling in the next round to No. 2 Burlingame.
2019-2020 All-Area/All-Journal Volleyball Team
Co-Players of the Year: Jazmyn Tubbs (Turlock) and Liv Peterson (Hilmar)
Coach of the year: Patti Harris (Hilmar)
Mary Padilla, outside hitter
Senior, Turlock
Mikela Labno, outside hitter
Junior, Hilmar
Maddy Hall, libero
Junior, Pitman
Julia Gonsalves, libero
Senior, Hilmar
Emma Martin, setter
Senior, Hilmar
McKinley King, right side hitter
Sophomore, Pitman
Kayley Souza, middle hitter
Senior, Hilmar
Sara Chavez, middle hitter
Junior, Hilmar
Brionna Sims, outside hitter
Senior, Pitman
Haley Freeman, setter
Junior, Pitman
Jyllian Knight-Urban, outside hitter
Senior, Turlock Christian
Giana Martella, outside hitter
Senior, Hughson
Bailey Pittman, outside hitter
Senior, Denair
McKenna Potter, middle blocker
Senior, Denair
