Jayne Gibson-McHughOne of the finest female athletes ever produced by the state of Colorado, Jayne Gibson excelled in volleyball, basketball and track and field for Arvada West High School. She is now married to Tom McHugh.
Her extensive volleyball playing honors include Player of the Year honors twice, Volleyball Sportswoman of Colorado, state tournament Most Valuable Player, numerous all-conference, all-state and player of the year honors. She is a member of the AWHS Hall of Fame and received the Steinmark Award in 1978 as the top female prep athlete in the state.
She earned nine letters and played on four state championship teams -- one each in volleyball and basketball and two in track and field -- including consecutive titles in three seasons.
"At the time, high school sports meant everything. For me, it was the start to everything that has happened. It led to the Olympics and now a coaching position at one of the best colleges for volleyball. It was the starting block," Gibson McHugh said.
Following her stellar career at Arvada West, Gibson McHugh went on to enjoy greater success at the University of the Pacific. She was a three-time All-Ameri-can at UOP, had her number retired at the school, played on many national and international teams, including the 1988 U.S. Olympic team and 1987 Pan American Games team. She earned an NCAA post-graduate scholarship and won the UOP Scholar-Athlete Award four times.
"This is the highest honor I have ever received. It is a great honor that so many people put their time and efforts into helping me," she said. "I remember the people - -my coaches and teammates -- the most. As time goes by, the negative things -- the ankle sprains and losses -- are forgotten while I vividly remember the positive."
