O T T

A college sports commissioner, pastor, writer, and retreat speaker, Don Ott brings a unique perspective to athletics, faith, and life. His career in sports spans four decades and includes stints with the West Coast and Pac-(then)-10 conferences, covering the San Francisco Giants for ESPN, and managing NCAA championship events.

​

In his present role as the commissioner of the NAIA’s California Pacific Conference, he oversees the regrowth of small college sports in the West, leading a program of character-based athletics involving private colleges and universities in California. He also serves on the NAIA's national board.

With a doctorate in Religious Studies / Christian Communications, Don is an ordained Bible teacher who completed a 16-year pastorate in the Bay Area. Washington State University (Go Cougs!) and Trinity Seminary provided his education.

​

A stint with Athletes in Action basketball introduced him to Lea, his wife of 39 years. They served as the Bay Area directors for Family Life Weekend to Remember conferences for 16 years, and have two beautiful adult daughters (Deanna & Kaylea). The Otts live in the San Francisco Bay Area.