James Ochoa

ABOUT ME: I was raised in San Antonio, Texas playing every sport I could. During my younger years I was blessed to have my dad as my coach while playing basketball, baseball, football, and soccer. He set the foundation for me being a competitive athlete. Our middle school was the only option for boys volleyball so that’s where I began my volleyball journey. I finished out high school playing varsity for several years in several sports then I joined the Air Force in 2003. In the Air Force, I played recreational and competitive volleyball in countries across the world for the duration of my 20 year service.

COACHING PHILOSOPHY: I have been with Vortex for about a year now coaching Level III Club Prep. As a coach, I aim to build young, competitive athletes with respect for the game, teammates, and coaches. Developing athletes should build life skills like leadership, resiliency, self-awareness, hard-work, and compassion that can be used on and off the court. I rely on collaborative coaching where coaches are approachable and teachable just as the athletes should be. My favorite coaching quote is by the great Jimmy Johnson, “Treat a person as he is, and he will remain that way. Treat him as he could be, and he will become what he should be.” I treat all athletes as hard-working, respectful, and positive members so they become hard-working, respectful, and positive members of the team.

HOBBIES: I enjoy staying active with golf, cycling, volleyball, softball, pickleball, hiking, and snowboarding. I love my family, a good brunch, a warm cookie, and the easy sounds of island-reggae music.