LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Natalia Ortiz graduated from Coronado High School and is heading to Egypt for two months to compete with the Egyptian national team.
Ortiz will compete in World Cup qualifier Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) against African countries including Nigeria, Malawi and Zimbabwe. If the team advances, they could qualify for next summer’s World Cup.
“This is like the step right before it, which is a very big deal because I don’t think the women’s national team has ever gotten to this part before,” Ortiz said.
International experience
Ortiz has been playing soccer since she was five years old. This summer marks her second time representing a country on the field. She also played with the Dominican Republic national team, where she competed in UNCAF and won a silver medal.
Her family believes she is the first soccer player from Nevada to be called up by two foreign national teams.
“The women’s soccer has definitely been growing in the past few years, which is a great thing, because, I mean, the women are great, and I’m just so happy that they’re finally getting the recognition they deserve,” Ortiz said.
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Support system
Ortiz said her family’s support has been important throughout her soccer career.
“Definitely my family. Their support has meant a lot for me throughout my time here in Vegas, especially when other people might have not always been there for me, or just through different, you know, blood, sweat, and tears,” Ortiz said. “Definitely 100% them. My coaches and just doctors who have helped me, friends, all of that.”
Her father Javier Ortiz said her determination has set her apart.
“But I think when one door is closed on her, she’s found a way to open a different door. And I think that’s the biggest thing that I’m most proud of, is that she’s resilient and determined. And if somebody says no, she says yes,” Javier Ortiz said.
Beyond the field
Ortiz served as vice president of the National Honor Society this past year, was part of a peer suicide prevention club and worked at Café Zupas for a year. She maintained a 4.8 weighted GPA.
Ortiz will play Division I soccer at Chicago State University, where she received a full-ride scholarship. She is expected to start there after returning from Egypt later this summer.
Natalia Ortiz graduated from Coronado High School and is heading to Egypt for two months to compete with the Egyptian national team.
