Perlman and Ortiz Inducted to COC Women's Basketball Hall of Fame
Perlman has coached alongside COC women’s basketball head coach Greg Herrick for more than 25 years; Ortiz was a two-time conference MVP and All-State selection at the point guard position from 2005 to 2007.
The College of the Canyons women's basketball team inducted former player Leslie Ortiz and current assistant head coach Harlan Perlman into the program's Hall of Fame during a halftime ceremony held during game between the Lady Cougars and conference rival Santa Monica College on Feb. 11.
Perlman has coached alongside COC women's basketball head coach Greg Herrick for more than 25 years. During that time he helped Herrick to 545 career wins, while seeing the program to 15 Western State Conference titles.
In addition to his coaching duties Perlman has faithfully served as recruiting coordinator, academic advisor and mentor to hundreds of COC student-athletes.
Prior to joining COC, Perlman coached at Hart High School at the junior varsity and varsity levels.
"I don't know anyone who has given more of his time and effort to this program than Coach Perlman," said Herrick. "Although I get the credit for the wins, he has every right to claim them for himself. I couldn't have done it without him."
Ortiz was a two-time conference MVP and All-State selection at the point guard position. As a sophomore she helped lead the Lady Cougars to a 30-6 overall record during the 2006-07 season, while setting the state record for assists in a season with 390.
Described by Herrick as "the purest and most complete point guard I have ever coached," Ortiz is the only two-time conference MVP in program history.
Ortiz will next be inducted into the California Community College Women's Basketball Coaches Association (CCCWBCA) Hall of Fame, during a ceremony at the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) State Tournament held at Las Positas College in Livermore on March 10-12.
"Whenever there is a discussion of who is the greatest player in program history, the name Leslie Ortiz always surfaces near the top of the list," said Herrick. "She is a model for every point guard who puts on a COC uniform."
—Story and photos by Jesse Muñoz/COC Sports Information