A proud Mantecan and Buffalo, MaryAnn Tolbert has been recognized as both community servant and coach for her alma mater.
The 1988 Manteca High graduate is among the six recipients of the 2019-20 Sac-Joaquin Section Model Coach Award and is the first from her school to get it. Tolbert was also chosen to represent the SJS as Model Coach at the California Interscholastic Federation state level and is joined by Bear River football coach Scott Savoie.
Other Model Coach winners from the SJS: Hilmar's Patti Harris (girls volleyball), Monterey Trail's T.J. Ewing (football), Bear River's Daryn Glasgow (water polo, swimming) and Gregori's Rob Steves (baseball, golf).
One male and one female coach from each of the CIF's sections are selected for the state honor, which will be received by only 20 in all.
Tolbert is in her seventh year teaching government and economics at Manteca High where she has also coached the past 15 years. She currently leads the school's reigning SJS champion girls tennis team.
“I got a letter at school from the CIF, and I'm on the tennis advisory committee with the section so I thought it had something to do with that,” Tolbert said. “When I opened it I had to ask one of my teaching friends if I am reading this right.
“I'm a little shocked to say the least. I just think of all the amazing girls I've coached along the way. They're what makes what I do extremely enjoyable.”
One of her former players is daughter Elizabeth, a 2016 MHS grad. Her sons Davey (2013) and Jacob (2017) are also alums, as is her mother, Nora Duffy Foehringer (1965).
Tolbert began coaching lower-level girls basketball at Manteca before leading the varsity squad for three seasons (2013-14, 2014-15 and 2016-17).
She has led the girls tennis team since 2007. This past fall, the Lady Buffs claimed their fourth straight Valley Oak League title and sixth in eight years. They went on to claim their third SJS Division III championship.
“Integrity, efficiency, diligence and teamwork are just a few of the personal characteristics that describe Coach Tolbert,” Manteca principal Frank Gonzales said in a statement. “She’s had a profound impact on our campus; I have seen school spirit and pride at an all-time high because of what she develops with our kids.”
In addition to her teaching and coaching duties, Tolbert also serves as Link Crew advisor and volunteers with Hoops 4 Heart, Red Cross School Blood Drive, Catholic Youth Organization and heads a backpack/show drive.
“I was born and raised here in Manteca, I went to Manteca High and I take a lot of pride in being part of the school and the community,” Tolbert said. “I think it's a great place to be. I love the kids we have here, they are incredible students. I would do anything to give back to the community. I think it's time worth spent.”
Previous Model Coach winners from area schools: Jill McPherson (Ripon, 2018-19), Manuel Pires (Sierra, 2016-17), Mike Rosendin (Sierra, 2014-15), Jack Thomson (Sierra, 2009-10), Lisa Shrock (Sierra, 2006-07) and Tevani Liotard (Sierra, 2005-06)