High school volleyball: Jason Schellenberger back on the bench as Medina coach

MEDINA — Jason Schellenberger was perfectly happy to be part of the coaching staff for the Medina volleyball team. The former Bees head coach didn't envision being back at the varsity level, at least not in the short-term. But when athletic director Todd Hodkey asked him if he would take over the program, Schellenberger didn't need long to say yes. "I didn't have any hesitation," he said. "I know all the players and I know my expectations. I am excited to coach the team for this upcoming season. They are a talented group." Medina named Schellenberger its new coach Friday, pending school board approval. He is the 12th-winningest coach in Medina County history and needs 11 wins to break Jenny Young's school mark of 108. The Highland graduate returns to the job he held from 2004-12, which included a magical run to the 2011 Norwalk Division I Regional semifinals with future college players Ally Peters, Kaitlyn Witsaman and Mallory Gustincic. Schellenberger also piloted the Bees to a school-record 21 victories and the Northeast Ohio Conference River Division title in 2007. It is the only outright championship Medina has won in the sport. His career record — all with the Bees — is 98-118. "We are excited for Jason to be leading the volleyball program," Hodkey said. "His past experiences as a head coach, as well as his familiarity with the girls in our current program, will create a smooth transition. It should be an exciting season." Schellenberger succeeds Joe Ortenzi, who resigned after six seasons to spend more time with his wife and their two young daughters. The Bees went 69-71 under Ortenzi, whose .493 winning percentage ranks third in school history. Medina was 14-10 last fall, giving it back-to-back seasons of at least 14 wins for the first time in 34 years. After finishing second in the rugged Greater Cleveland Conference in 2020 and 2021, the Bees will enter next season as the favorites. Reigning GCC MVP Makenzie Schellenberger (Jason's daughter), All-Gazette honoree Kira Holland and breakout talent Aubrey Miranda give Medina a trio of outside hitters who should dominate the league. "It should be a fun and exciting season," said Schellenberger, who has spent 21 total years in the program. Contact Brian Dulik at brisports@hotmail.com. Follow him @BrianDulik on Twitter.