“My journey in softball has felt unreal… I have been blessed to be given these opportunities.”
A Dream to Be Seen
“Softball became the sport I chose to focus on when all I could dream about was playing on live television and showing everyone not only who I am as a player, but as a person as well.”
Those are the words from two way player Bella Ortiz. Ortiz is a rising star from Oviedo, Florida, in the class of 2029. Very hardworking, real, and humble. Even when talking about her World Cup run with Puerto Rico, she would not mention the accomplishments before acknowledging her challenges first. That impressed me right from the start.
Looking Back on the Journey
When I asked Ortiz about her journey in softball, she was grateful and reflected a little on it all.
“My journey in softball has felt unreal. It’s crazy to think about the distance I’ve traveled, not only by plane, but from where I’ve started as a player and young athlete. I have been blessed to be given these opportunities, which has given me the resilience to accomplish many of the goals on my path,” said Ortiz.
Those opportunities have placed Bella on the biggest of stages and given her the chance to do things most kids can only dream of. One of those was competing in the WBSC U-15 Women’s Softball World Cup with Puerto Rico. It was an experience she will never forget, but it did not start out the way she hoped.
Finding Strength at the World Cup
“At the start of the tournament, I was not at my best self. Playing in the Softball World Cup and not completely succeeding is not on my Top 10 of things I wanted. With this, I constantly reminded myself to trust the process and keep my composure. I am also very fortunate to have a great support group around me. I was able to call and text my teammates back home, and reach out to some of my mentors.”
That tough start did not last, as Ortiz began to perform to her abilities. Her experience and everything she had learned up to that point began to show.
“I think that’s where this experience finally clicked. My goal from the start of the tournament was to beat the best. As a team, we had worked so incredibly hard for this moment and we weren’t giving up without leaving it all out there. Being given the opportunity to pitch against and beat Team USA was a moment I will remember for the rest of my life.”
(Photo Courtesy of Bella Ortiz)
Trusting it All & Disciplined
Reminding herself to stay calm, stay in control, stick to her routine, and trust the process from all the work she has put in, Ortiz also places great belief in the teammates around her.
“I also know that the team has my back on defense and on offense. I’m very lucky to have an amazing group of players who are not only teammates, but true friends,” said Ortiz.
“I’m also a very avid reader and I personally love motivational books. Being able to grow mentally in the game has been a huge part of my success in not letting the moment get too big.”
That discipline carries over into her life as a student-athlete, where she makes sure both sides stay balanced.
“Balancing softball and school requires a routine. Being able to stay organized and structured allows me to use my time wisely. School always comes first but playing softball allows me to stay on track in the classroom too.”
More Than Softball for Bella Ortiz
As everyone knows, there is more to life than softball. Whether it is family, school, which Bella is able to manage and balance very well, or the many life lessons along the way, Ortiz takes them all to heart.
“Outside of softball, the most important thing to me is the relationships I’ve built with the people in my life and the connections I have made. The love, support, and even the hard moments have all shaped who I am. Some relationships have lifted me up when I needed it most, and others have pushed me to grow in ways I never expected. Each one has taught me something valuable, and I carry those lessons with me every day. These relationships have helped shape who I am on and off the field and have prepared me for my life in the future.”
Bella Ortiz is just getting started, but the way she carries herself on and off the field shows why so many people believe in her future. From her mindset in big moments to the way she values the people around her, she has the drive, humility, and perspective that will take her far in this game.
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