LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) – UNLV men's soccer head coach BJ Craig announced Friday the addition of Jesse Ortiz to his staff as assistant coach.

"We are very excited and grateful to have Jesse join us," said Craig. "He is first class as a person, has a passion for the game and coaching, and will be a great addition to our staff and UNLV.

Ortiz comes to Las Vegas from Germany after spending the past three years as a coach (2023-2026) and player (2023-25) in the Landesliga Luneburg.

"Jesse brings a championship pedigree to our program as a top collegiate player and youth coach. He has played in Mexico, the US, and Germany giving him a strong background for recruiting and coaching. Jesse has a great mind for the game, he is a strong teacher, and has an enthusiasm that will help our student-athletes continue to grow and develop not only on the field, but as leaders in life," said Craig.

Most recently, Ortiz served as head coach of U19 II team JFV AOBHH since 2025, which saw him focus on developing and preparing for the U19 I Regionalliga. Prior to that, he was head coach of U18 squad Rotenburger SV from 2024-25, helping foster a culture that culminated in the club's promotion to the Niedersachsenliga.

Additionally, Ortiz assisted the Rotenburger SV U17 staff in planning and delivering training sessions and match preparation for a year (2023-24. He also competed on the Rotenburger SV as a player from 2023-25.

A former student-athlete, Ortiz played collegiate soccer at Seattle U, where he won a pair WAC Championships. He went on to graduate with his bachelor's degree in strategic communication and media in 2023.

Ortiz holds his UEFA B License from the German Football Association and is working toward earning his UEFA B Youth License from the Scottish Football Association.