Pitman High’s Izzy Shallou-Enes is the type of student-athlete that every coach wishes to have. Thankfully the Pitman Pride girls soccer program had her for four seasons and she finished her career on a high note, earning the Turlock Journal Player of the Year honors for the second straight season.

“It is amazing, ending my last high school soccer season was something I had been dreading for a little while,” said Shallou-Enes, who is slated to play for San Jose State. “But once we got started up and training it was really exciting and I was ready to make my last year one of the best.”

It was one of her best years, statistically, but overall, she always had an above average year and she let it be known every single game.  

When she first stepped on to the pitch her freshman year, she started at the varsity level. Shallou-Enes continued to thrive and prove to everyone that her game was at a higher level, and this made her one of the more dangerous and complete players in the area over the last four seasons.

Time and time again, Shallou-Enes created chances and opportunities for herself and her teammates, working the opposition with her ability to play in the open field and dribble with a unique touch and precise passing.

Her game was complete. She didn’t seem to have weaknesses when playing — she would go with the flow of the game and adjust.

“I had the mindset of making my mark for the last time in my high school career. I just wanted to do my best and work as hard as possible to finish off strong,” said Shallou-Enes.

In 22 games as a junior, Shallou-Enes tallied 25 goals, averaging over a goal per game while tallying six assists. This led to her being named the 2017-18 Central California Conference Offensive Player of the Year while she notched 13 goals and four assists in league play.

“My junior year was stressful due to the recruiting process and trying to get seen by coaches. The MJC coach, Steve, was very helpful with my exposure,” said Shallou-Enes. “He helped me get in contact with the Fresno State coach, University of Portland and San Jose. I had also begun the recruiting process with Stanislaus State as well.”

Every year since her freshman year, Shallou-Enes has been recognized by surrounding coaches and the CCC the last three years.

She earned first-team all-league honors as a freshman, then was selected to the second team as a sophomore before earning first team again as a junior, along with the best offensive player in league.

This past season, Shallou-Enes finished with 27 goals and eight assists and earned POY honors once again, but this time in the Central California Athletic League.

“I'm very blessed that this year went as well as it did, especially with my 27 goals, and I'm thankful for these past four years,” said Shallou-Enes.

Pitman finished this past season with an overall record of 15-5-2 and took second in the CCAL at 7-2-1.

This earned the Pride a berth in the Sac-Joaquin Section Division-I playoffs where they kicked off the tournament with a 4-2 penalty kick victory over Tracy High.

The Pride essentially lost in the quarterfinal round to the D-I champs--Davis.

“This past season was a fun and successful one,” said Shallou-Enes. “I enjoyed working hard with the girls and pushing each other to be a better team. Personally, when I step on the field I plan to just work hard and push myself. Getting the honor of Player of the Year two years in a row now is just a result of my hard work and I am very grateful.”

Shallou-Enes will be moving on to SJSU to play collegiate soccer.

All-Journal Girls Soccer

Player of the Year: Izzy Shallou-Enes (Pitman)

Coach of the Year: Temo Arteaga (Turlock)

All-Area/All-Journal Girls Soccer Team

1st Team

Jazmyn Garcia, Pitman

Lilly Leonard, Pitman

Megan Drew, Turlock

Daisy Martinez, Turlock

Kylee Redman, Turlock

Kayli Wilson, Turlock

Mya Sanchez, Pitman

Genavieve Fontes, Hilmar

Cheyanne Cabral, Hilmar

Korey Pettigrew, Hilmar

Stephanie Zamora, Turlock

Ainsley Wood, Hilmar

2nd Team

Alisha Garcia, Pitman

Lexie Avalos, Hilmar

Jenny Rodriguez, Denair

Lucy Licea, Denair

Alex Sousa, Turlock

Maureen Clark, Turlock

Alexia Caballero, Pitman

Alisha Garcia, Pitman

Hailie Virden, Turlock

Emily Salazar, Delhi

Isis Rocha, Delhi

Sidney Cantwell, Pitman