Coach Jeff Schertz is the seventh head coach in Ballard High School history, currently entering his sixth season leading the Bombers. In his first two years, he guided the team to impressive finishes, securing fourth and second place at the state tournament. Last season, the Bombers made another strong appearance at the State Tournament and are aiming for even greater success this year with many returning players.

Jeff began his teaching and coaching career at his alma mater, Grissom High School in Huntsville, Alabama. During his two years as the varsity coach at Grissom, he helped multiple players advance to the next level. In his final season, his team spent the entire year ranked in the top 10 in Class 7A, Alabama’s largest classification.

Continuing his coaching journey, Jeff took the head coaching position at Harpeth High School near Nashville, Tennessee. He was named the 2018 District and County Coach of the Year. Under his leadership, Harpeth's teams achieved a runner-up finish and a district championship during regular season play. His overall head coaching record stands at 163-84.

In his first year in Iowa, Jeff worked with the Iowa State University men’s basketball program as a student manager while updating his teaching certificate for the state. During that season, the team won the Big 12 tournament. His responsibilities included player development with future NBA athletes, video analysis, and various practice and gameday duties.

Coach Schertz attended Auburn University, where he earned a degree in Mathematics Education, and later completed a master’s degree at Samford University. He holds Iowa teaching certificates in math and physical education.

Jeff and his wife, Joy, reside in Ames with their three-year-old twin boys, Jay and Jordan, their newborn daughter, Jenna, and their dog, Aubie.