News Summary

Fenwick High School in Oak Park has appointed Giovannie Ortiz as its new varsity boys soccer coach, following a brief coaching transition. Ortiz aims to build on the tradition left by his predecessor, focusing on both team success and player development. With a rich soccer background and experience in student development, Ortiz is poised to create a positive culture for the team while also fulfilling his role as a full-time school counselor.

New Beginnings for Fenwick High School Soccer Team in Oak Park

Oak Park is buzzing with excitement as Fenwick High School has recently appointed Giovannie Ortiz as the new varsity boys soccer coach. This news comes after a brief yet eventful coaching transition that saw Adrian Remeniuk take the reins for just over a month before opting for a counseling role at another school.

Stepping Into Big Shoes

The boys’ soccer program at Fenwick has a rich history, having been led by Coach Craig Blazer for five impressive seasons before Remeniuk’s short stint. With such a legacy in place, Ortiz has a hefty challenge ahead of him, but he is enthusiastic about the journey. He aims to pick up where Coach Blazer left off, focusing on not just the wins, but also on cultivating a positive culture for the players both on and off the field.

A Local Hero Returns

Hailing from Berwyn, Ortiz isn’t just stepping into a coaching role; he’s coming home. He graduated from Morton High School in 2017, and his own soccer journey is filled with accolades. Back in 2015, he was part of a remarkable team that secured third place in the IHSA Class 3A state tournament. After high school, he continued to pursue his passion at Purdue University Northwest, where he played soccer for a couple of seasons. Later, he transferred to Dominican University in River Forest, where he excelled as a starting center back. During this time, he’s gained a bonus season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing his dedication and resilience that he hopes to instill in his future players.

Experience Meets Education

Ortiz’s experience doesn’t stop on the soccer field. He has been deeply involved in student development over the past three years at Morton, serving as the junior-varsity one head coach and a varsity assistant coach. Moreover, he has worked as a college and career liaison, and as a school counselor intern at Morton’s West Campus, combining his love for athletics with a commitment to supporting students in their academic and personal growth.

Balancing Coaching with Counseling

In his new role at Fenwick, Ortiz will wear two hats: that of the boys’ soccer coach and a full-time school counselor. It’s a unique opportunity that he’s excited to embrace, aiming to meld his coaching insights with his counseling experience to create a nurturing environment for all students. The school community can look forward to having a coach who is not only focused on team performance but also genuinely cares about the well-being of each athlete.

Bringing Passion to the Pitch

Even beyond the school walls, Ortiz’s passion for soccer shines through. He is actively involved with Wisloka Chicago, a semi-professional team competing in the United Premier Soccer League. This competitive experience not only keeps him sharp as a player but also fuels his zest to cultivate a love for the game among Fenwick’s students. He is keen to introduce them to the joys and challenges that soccer has to offer.

Looking Ahead

As summer fades and the new school year approaches, Ortiz is eager to get to know the student-athletes at Fenwick and their families. His mission is to foster an environment where players can develop their skills, grow as individuals, and, most importantly, have fun. With his background and enthusiasm, there’s a sense of anticipation surrounding the Fenwick boys’ soccer program. Exciting times lie ahead in Oak Park as Ortiz prepares to lead this talented team into the future!

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