(CHULA VISTA) January 4, 2010 – The Chula Vista Rangers Soccer Club is pleased to announce the addition of former San Diego Socker and MLS player, and Hall of Famer Rene Ortiz as the new Director of Coaching for the club. Rene will partner with technical director Victor Melendez to oversee player and coach development.
Currently the head coach of the Girls Varsity soccer team at Hilltop High School in Chula Vista, and the head coach of the Mexican National Indoor Soccer Team since 2002, Rene holds a USSF “B” National License and a degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Physical Education from San Diego State University.
Rene played indoor and outdoor soccer professionally for 13 years before retiring in 2000. He was named Defender of the Year by the San Diego Sockers in 1994, was inducted into the Tijuana Hall of Fame in 2007, and received the “Best Coach” Award by the Torneo Internacional de Futbol rapido Copa Monterrey 2008. He is also Director of the Indoor Coaches Soccer Education Program for the Mexican Indoor Soccer Federation.
“Rene is an award-winning player and coach, and his expertise will greatly benefit our talented and dedicated group of young players,” said Israel Garza, president of the Chula Vista Rangers.
"Coach Rene is undoubtedly the right man for the job, and will have our full support as he leads the organization through this next period of development." said Polo Aviles, Executive Vice President of the Chula Vista Rangers.
“I am very excited in joining such an outstanding and respected organization as the Rangers and having a direct responsibility in providing a quality soccer program to the community”. Ortiz said.
Ortiz currently lives in Chula Vista with his wife, Monica, and two daughters, Sofia and Alyssa.