The 5-foot-7, 135-pound freshman forward scored 30 goals and passed for eight assists this past season, leading the Texans (22-3-2) to the Class 6A state championship game. Ortiz scored the game-winning goal in overtime in the regional semifinals and followed with a goal and the game-winning overtime assist in the regional title game. The District 4-6A MVP and the Dallas Morning News Newcomer of the Year, he injured his ankle during warmups before the state semifinals and had to sit out Sam Houston's final two games of the year.
Ortiz has maintained a 3.0 GPA in the classroom. He will begin his sophomore year of high school this fall.
A member of his local chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Ortiz has volunteered locally at a homeless shelter and food bank, and as a peer mentor. "Jose has tremendous technical ability, especially for a freshman," said Jeff Waldrop, head coach of Arlington High. "He has a knack for goal scoring. Players like Jose don't come along very often."
