Jessica Martz
Floater Coach
Jess Martz returns for her second season with Virginia Elite as the 13s Head Coach, after leading last year’s team to an impressive season that included seven top-10 finishes, highlighted by 2nd- and 3rd-place results at local CHRVA events. She brings more than 18 years of competitive volleyball experience to the club, following two prior coaching seasons with MoCo VBC in Maryland.
Originally from Oakland, California, Jess had a standout junior career—competing at Junior Olympics on both grass and indoor courts, earning Player of the Year, four-time All-League honors, and Hall of Fame recognition at Moreau Catholic High School. Her favorite memories include playing for her dad in high school, winning 14U Grass Junior Olympics in 1994, placing 10th at 18U Junior Olympics in 1997, finishing 2nd at 18U Junior Far Westerns in 1999, and training under two of her heroes—Misty May and Cary Wendell—at setter camps in the 1990s. Her junior success led to recruitment by multiple top-25 NCAA programs.
At the Division I U.S. Naval Academy, Jess was a four-year starter and team captain, excelling as a setter but also filling in as an outside hitter and libero when needed. She earned All-Conference honors, set records in the Patriot League, and still ranks among Navy’s leaders in assists, service aces, sets and matches played, hitting percentage, and double-doubles.
After graduation, Jess continued competing at a high level, playing for the All-Marine Corps volleyball team, at USA Volleyball Nationals, and in competitive adult leagues, most recently at the AA level.
Since retiring from the U.S. Marine Corps in 2023, Jess has pursued a career as an attorney with the Defense Health Agency. She resides with her family in Montgomery County, Maryland.
