Hawks say goodbye to coach Chris Schortgen

New York, NY – After three successful years as head coach of the Hunter College men’s volleyball team, Chris Schortgen is stepping down from his position.

During his tenure, Schortgen led the Hawks to an impressive 47-28 overall record and achieved a .627 winning percentage. Under his leadership, the team reached the City University of New York Athletic Conference (CUNYAC) championship game every season, but fell to cross-town rival Baruch College. During Schortgen’s tenure, the Hawks dominated conference play, securing 37 wins to just three losses, including an unblemished CUNYAC record of 14-0 through the 2023 season.

Due to his accomplishments, Schortgen was twice named CUNYAC Coach of the Year in 2022 and 2023. He has mentored 13 conference all-stars, eight of whom were selected to the first team, and coached numerous individual award winners each year.

This season, senior Cooper Moran was named CUNYAC Scholar Athlete of the Year after also earning Player of the Year honors, while Kyle Foley was named Rookie of the Year. For the 2023 season, freshman Matisse Lee-Maarek was named Player of the Year and AVCA DIII North Region Newcomer of the Year. He ranks 11th in the nation with a .412 hitting percentage and leads the league in blocks per set (0.96) and total blocks (62). In addition, Sergio Aguado was named the 2023 conference Libero of the Year after Chris Scandole earned the same title in 2022.

In 2024, Schortgen served as a member of the AVCA Men’s Division III All-Region Committee representing the CUNYAC.

Prior to joining Hunter College, Schortgen served as an assistant coach for the Pratt University men’s volleyball team from 2018-2020. There, he contributed to the success of the women’s team, leading them to a conference championship appearance, a HVIAC regular season title and a school-record 19-7 season. He was also part of the HVIAC Assistant Coaching Staff of the Year.

Schortgen’s coaching career includes head coaching positions at Hewitt School and Grace Church School, as well as a two-year stint with Beach Elite Volleyball in Virginia Beach, where he served as senior technical director. In addition, he has been involved in youth programs, serving as a director and consultant for Success Academy Charter School, Manhattan Youth, Yorkville Youth Association, and Yeshiva University.

As a player, Schortgen was a setter and outside hitter for Mount Olive’s DI/DII men’s volleyball team from 2005 to 2006. He later founded the DI club program at Virginia Commonwealth University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in homeland security and emergency preparedness in 2009.

Hunter College Athletics thanks Coach Schortgen for his invaluable contributions to the success of the program and the entire athletic department.

Courtesy of Hunter Athletics