CLS promotes Fontana to head coach

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CRYSTAL LAKE – Jorie Fontana had been fielding the questions for weeks, so with Friday morning’s announcement came a great deal of relief.

It became official: Fontana will succeed former Crystal Lake South volleyball coach Laura Jensen as the Gators’ head coach, effective immediately. Fontana had been Jensen’s assistant the past two seasons.

When Fontana and South athletic director Jim Stuglis introduced Fontana to the players Friday morning, it was like receiving an early and somewhat predictable Christmas gift.

“The girls already kind of knew about it or assumed that I would be going for it,” Fontana said. “They’d been asking me for a few weeks now if there had been a decision made, and I had to keep quiet about everything. I was trying to be as vague but as positive as possible.”

Fontana said her excitement is coupled by eagerness at reaching a goal she outlined for herself long ago but didn’t think would come to fruition so soon.

Fontana played high school volleyball at Jacobs, where she was Northwest Herald co-Player of the Year in 1999, and then played at Loyola University, where she was a right-side hitter until her 2004 graduation.

Fontana, who teaches Spanish at South, set her sights on a head coaching position quickly after college.

She simply figured it might take her more time before landing one.

“This has been my end goal, and I know it’s a little surprising that it’s happening quicker than I expected,” Fontana said. “At the same time, it’s perfect timing.”

Stuglis said there were more than 30 applicants for the coaching position and about a half dozen earned interviews.

Fontana was the best choice, Stuglis said confidently.

“She gives us exactly what we want,” Stuglis said. “The girls have known her for a while, they’re comfortable with her, and I think everyone is very excited to have her come on board.”

A deep run in the postseason has eluded the Gators in recent years and, above everything else, having a legitimate shot at a state title is Fontana’s primary goal for the program.

“I want to get back to emphasizing reaching toward a state championship,” Fontana said. “I also want people to have a deep dedication and respect for the program and the school they represent. I think that happens a lot with club [volleyball] and there’s nothing wrong with that. But I’d like to see that level of unity to the school as well.”