Tucson, Arizona – A nationally recognized coach with a champion pedigree, Ben Roeltz has been named head swimming and diving coach, vice president and director of athletics at the University of Arizona. Presented by Desiree Reed-François Wednesday.
“We sought to hire a head coach with a proven track record of success in coaching, recruiting and coaching. “We comprehensively develop our student-athletes at the highest level,” Reed-Francois said, adding, “Coach Roortz has a championship vision for our program and is a nationally recognized leader in the swimming and diving community. He is a proven leader with an exceptional history of developing championship cultures, and he continues the program's growing tradition as it joins the Big 12 Conference. We are proud to welcome Coach Lortz, his wife Jen, and their family to the University of Arizona.”
Roortz led UNLV to WAC Conference honors in men's swimming last season, marking the Rebels' fourth straight conference championship and setting a conference record in points. He was also named WAC Swimming Coach of the Year for the fourth consecutive year in 2024. UNLV's women's program, which competes in the Mountain West, had 15 all-conference participants in 2023-2024, tying a school record. meanwhile Vika Janowska won the 1-meter diving title last season, giving UNLV its first MW diving title. Roortz was also named the 2021 MW Women's Swimming Coach of the Year.
During his eight seasons in Las Vegas, Lourts coached the Rebels to five total WAC and MW conference championships and five runner-up finishes. The program won 70 WAC and 20 MW individual and relay championships, as well as setting nearly 40 school records during his tenure.
“I would like to thank The search committee, Desiree Reed-François, the university leadership, and the entire Arizona athletics department have given us the opportunity to continue the storied legacy of this program while growing and developing our student-athletes to become champions. ,” Roortz said. It's a special place and my family and I can't wait to arrive on campus and begin this exciting journey together. ”
UNLV student-athletes have accumulated Numerous conference honors have been earned under Loorz's leadership, including Ruby Howell being named MW Freshman Swimmer of the Year in 2021 and George Ratiu being named 2021 WAC Swimmer of the Year. That includes winning Freshman Swimmer of the Year and having Chris Matuszewski repeat that feat in 2023. Representatives Zuzanna Giacavos and Vuk Selic will participate in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. Roorz also coached Kasia Wasik from Poland. He finished fifth in the 50m freestyle at the Tokyo Games and went on to become the world's top sprinter in 2022 and 2023.
The program boasts a total of 27 CSCAA All-American Scholars and dozens of academic all-conference team members, and a high level of success outside of the pool also characterized Rooltz's tenure in Las Vegas.
Prior to his championship tenure at UNLV, Rooltz spent six seasons as head coach at Cal State East Bay, leading the Pioneers to three conference championships, three runner-up finishes, two top-25 finishes at the NCAA Division II National Championship, and two top-25 finishes at the NCAA Division II National Championship. led to times. He was twice named Pacific Collegiate Swimming Conference Coach of the Year at CSU Eastbar.While coaching six All-American players with the Pioneers.
Mr. Loorz said, He joined the UNLV program from 2007 to 2010 as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator, participating in three varsity conference championships for the men's team. He served as a graduate assistant at the University of Utah during the 2005-06 and 2006-07 seasons. While on the Utes' staff, the program won him the MW championship in both seasons.
A native of California, Lolts graduated summa cum laude from the University of Southern California in 1999 before swimming collegiately at American River College in Sacramento. She then earned her master's degree at Utah State in 2008.
Lolts and his wife Jennifer have four sons.
