Above – John Ortolani (left) faces off against Chris Eck SAINT LEO, Fla. – Saint Leo University men’s lacrosse head coach Brad Jorgensen and the Department of Athletics have announced the hiring of John Ortolani as the team’s second assistant coach. In its second season in the Sunshine State Conference, Ortolani’s professional career will be a large asset to the program seeking its first SSC title and a berth to the NCAA Championships. “John is a perfect fit for Saint Leo,” said Jorgensen. “He has excelled in every level of lacrosse and will bring a wealth of knowledge to our staff.” Ortolani joins a storied program, now in its 10^th season, which has had success in the former Deep South Conference (DSC). The Lions claimed two DSC Tournament titles, and added the regular season crown in 2010. Ortolani’s success and knowledge of the game will ensure the tradition continues. “I’ve coached at several levels, but I’m excited to be coaching at the highest level,” said Ortolani. “Saint Leo athletics has propelled itself to the national stage and I look forward to helping men’s lacrosse exceed all expectations.” Ortolani just completed his sixth Major League Lacrosse (MLL) season with the Rochester Rattlers, and was selected to the 2014 MLL All-Star Team which will competed against Team USA in the MLL All-Star Game in June. In his four-year collegiate career, the Endicott College graduate led his team to two Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) Championships and one DIII East Coast Athletic Conference (ECAC) title. During his collegiate career, Endicott was statically ranked first in Man Down Goal Against Average and second in Goal Against Average. Ortolani was a two-time All-New England and All-CCC selection. The midfielder was named ECAC Tournament MVP in 2008. Following graduation in 2009, Ortolani was the face off man and defenseman for the Boston Blazers in the National Lacrosse League’s (NLL) inaugural season. During his two-year career, the Blazers went 26-22 and reached the division semifinal each of the three seasons. Since 2006, Ortolani has worked as a youth lacrosse coach with Raptors Lacrosse but has also helped train the next great Football and Wrestling athletes at Billerica Pop Warner and Billerica Memorial High School respectively. Ortolani has also been the face off coach and assistant camp director for the Face Off Club Lacrosse Camps since 2006. Ortolani graduated from Endicott in 2009 with an undergraduate degree in Sports Management. For more on the Saint Leo men’s lacrosse program, visit SaintLeoLions.com. Also, be sure to ‘Like’ the Lions on Facebook and ‘Follow’ Saint Leo Athletics on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.