Ceres High varsity boys volleyball leader Darlene Tobler has been named the Courier’s Coach of the Year for the spring sports season.

“I really love playing for coach Dar,” Bulldogs’ sophomore standout Verlis Smith said. “She’s one of the best coaches I’ve had. She’s demanding. She’ll push you to your limits. But she’s always positive.”

Ceres High compiled an 8-2 overall and had a 2-1 mark in Western Athletic Conference play.

“I can’t take credit for what they accomplished,” Tobler said. “But I know I had a hand in it. We all worked together. We had the same mutual respect for each other.”

The Bulldogs collected wins against Turlock Christian (3-0), Hilmar (3-0), Los Banos (3-0), Central Valley (3-1), Franklin (2-0), Washington Union (2-0), McClatchy (2-1) and Mountain House (3-0) under Tobler’s direction.

“Play for your team and school, and not for yourself,” Smith said. “That’s what she (Tobler) drilled into our heads. She put the IQ of the game into us. She made competing fun. That’s how we developed and improved. To her, every player on the team is the same. She doesn’t favor anyone. It’s a whole big family. Coach Dar is an amazing person. She means a lot to us.”