CLEMSON, S.C. – Clemson Volleyball Head Coach Michaela Franklin announced the hiring of Jesse Ortiz as the program’s Assistant Coach on Friday. Ortiz comes to Clemson after a three-year stint as the Assistant Coach at Michigan State. Ortiz specializes in defense will primarily work with the Tigers’ backrow and pin hitters.
“We are thrilled to have Jesse join our staff,” said Franklin. “He compliments our staff well. He brings experience in recruiting, training at a high level and has had success along his journey to Clemson. Through the interview process it became clear that Jesse is the right fit for our staff and Clemson because of his passion, knowledge and experience. The qualities that he brings will help our program take that next step toward being successful as a program.”
Jesse Ortiz joined the MSU staff in February 2017, a year in which the Spartans made their first Elite-8 run since 1995. In 2017, Michigan State also ranked in the top four in the Big Ten in nine different statistical categories, including digs and opponent hitting percentage.
“I am extremely excited and grateful to be joining Clemson University and the Clemson Volleyball staff,” said Ortiz. “I want to thank Michaela for the tremendous opportunity. The Clemson Family has been so welcoming to my wife and myself. We are both looking forward to living in such a beautiful area and becoming part of this great community.”
Prior to his tenure at Michigan State, Ortiz spent three years on staff at Miami (Ohio), where he helped guide the RedHawks to a combined overall record of 66-26 (.717) and a 39-9 record in MAC play (.813). In 2016, Ortiz guided Miami to a first-place finish in the East division with an overall record of 24-6 and 15-1 in conference play after back-to-back top-three finishes in the division (2014-15). His time in Oxford saw nine players earn All-MAC recognition.
Previously, Ortiz was an assistant coach at Ferris State for three seasons. While with the Bulldogs, he served as the team’s defensive coordinator, and helped train three All-Americans, six All-Region and 15 All-GLIAC selections. He also helped Ferris State to a top-25 ranking and a berth in the NCAA Tournament in each of his final three years and culminated a Midwest Regional Championship and NCAA Division II Elite Eight appearance in 2013.
Prior to his time at Ferris State, Ortiz spent four seasons as an assistant coach at his alma mater, Sonoma State. While there, he helped the Seawolves to a 76-39 record and three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances from 2008-10. Sonoma State was ranked in the top 25 during each of Ortiz’s final three seasons and he also helped train three All-Americans and eight All-CCAA student-athletes.
Ortiz was Sonoma State’s men’s club team coach from 2004-09, where he led the program to three National Intramural-Recreation Sports Association (NIRSA) finalist spots from 2007-09.
He earned his bachelor’s degree in Art Studio and earned his master’s degree in Design and Innovation Management while coaching at Ferris State.
Ortiz is married to his wife, Desirae.
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