Bio

Coach Ortiz Interview

Jesse Ortiz became the First Assistant Women's Volleyball Coach at Ferris State in 2011 and will embark on his third campaign with the Bulldogs in 2013.

Ortiz's primary responsibilities involve training, recruiting, scouting, and video breakdown.

Ortiz arrived to Ferris State in early August 2011 after serving four seasons (2007-10) as the First Assistant Coach at fellow NCAA Division II member Sonoma State University in Rohnert Park, Calif.  As a member of Bear Grassl's coaching staff (2008-10), Ortiz helped guide the Seawolves to three consecutive NCAA-II West Regional Tournament appearances.  In his four years at SSU, the Seawolves registered a combined 76-39 overall record (.661 winning pct.) and compiled a 53-29 mark (.646) in the prestigeous California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA).  Both the 2008 and 2009 teams produced 23-win seasons with 23-7 and 23-8 overall records, respectively.    

"We are extremely excited to add Jesse to our coaching staff," said FSU head coach Tia Brandel-Wilhelm.  "Jesse has a great deal of experience with high-level NCAA Division II volleyball which will allow him to make a quick transition to our program.  Jesse is not only a great student of the game, but he's also a student of success.

"His ability to create situations for players and teams to improve has been an immediate benefit to our team," added Brandel-Wilhelm.

Along with assisting the Sonoma State Women's program, Ortiz was Head Coach for the university's Men's Club program from 2004-10.   He also helped the Men's Club team make multiple NIRSA National Championship Tournament appearances and five top 10 national championship berths.  He also spent 2004-11 as the Varsity Coach at Petaluma High School (Calif). 

As a graduate of Sonoma State, Ortiz majored in art studio.  He was a member of the school's Men's Club Volleyball team and served as its president from 2002-04.  Ortiz helped the 2004 SSU Men's Club team to a Northern California Coast Collegiate Volleyball Championship crown and a ninth-place finish in the National Championships.    

The son of Jesse and Sharon Ortiz of Lemoore, Calif., Jesse graduated in 1996 from Lemoore High School.  Ortiz, who has two brothers and a sister, competed in football and track.