Jesse Ortiz was named head volleyball coach at the University of South Alabama in March 2021 and has quickly transformed the program into a championship contender. In his first three seasons, Ortiz led the Jaguars to their first-ever Sun Belt Conference regular-season title, first conference tournament championship, and first NCAA Tournament appearance in program history. South Alabama has since added another NCAA Tournament berth, while earning multiple AVCA all-region and All-Sun Belt selections under his leadership. His 2021 squad won 25 matches — one of the top totals in program history — and finished among the national leaders in opponent hitting percentage and defensive efficiency. Ortiz has also emphasized academic excellence, highlighted by the program’s first Academic All-American honoree and numerous conference academic recognitions.
In 2023, the Jaguars posted a 22-9 record and returned to the NCAA Tournament after tying for the best divisional mark in the Sun Belt. Ortiz has developed nationally ranked performers, including standout setter Kailey Keeble and outside hitter Hannah Maddux, the program’s first professional draft selection. Before arriving in Mobile, Ortiz gained extensive experience at Clemson, Michigan State, Miami (Ohio), Ferris State, and Sonoma State, contributing to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances at both the Division I and II levels. A former collegiate player and longtime club coach, Ortiz holds degrees from Sonoma State and Ferris State. His leadership has established South Alabama as a competitive force in the Sun Belt while fostering a culture of excellence on and off the court.
