Getting to Know Olivia Ortiz

Sept. 23, 2013

RollTide.com caught up with each new member of the track and cross country team to find out more about them. Today, we feature Olivia Ortiz, a freshman from Bradenton, Fla., who was the 2011 ESPNHS Florida Cross Country Gatorade Runner of the Year and a participant in the 2011 Footlocker National Championships.

What are you looking forward to most about being a member of the team?

I'm really looking forward to the team aspect--having girls to run with and push each other through every practice and meet, traveling together, the experiences and lifelong friendships.

Why did you choose Alabama?

Once I stepped foot on campus, it felt like home. It's truly a family atmosphere. I really felt like this was the place for me. I felt connected to the coaches, and I really like the goals they have in mind for the future. I really just wanted to be a part of their success.

How did your family react to your college decision?

I was blessed to have a few choices, and I was so glad both my parents went on all my visits. (Alabama) was the home run. They loved it, and I loved it.

When did you begin competing and why?

I began running my freshman year of high school. I was a huge soccer player...In my freshman year, I joined cross country just to be involved in a different sport because I had played soccer my whole life. In my junior year, I didn't want to get injured in soccer, so I focused solely on running.

When did you realize you could compete at the Division 1 level?

My junior year of high school. I won the cross country individual state championship in Florida and qualified for Foot Locker Nationals, so I was one of the top runners in Florida. I was very blessed and thankful. That season went so fast.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

Qualifying for Footlocker National Championships was a big dream of mine. I was so blessed to represent Florida as a part of the South team in San Diego, California. Another accomplishment would be coming back from a fractured femur. That was this past spring. I was out most of my senior season, so overcoming my injury and getting back to my passion took a lot of hard work.

What has been the biggest adjustment you've had to make as a college athlete?

I would say time management and the level of competition. Going straight from practice to class then class to practice is definitely different. Also, the level of competition is tremendous at the Division 1 level. We have some extremely talented girls to push me and make me better.

What is one weakness that you'd like to improve moving forward?

There are always things to improve. I need to get better at hurdle drills, for sure, and I'd really like to get stronger all-around.

Have you decided on a major?

I'm in the college of communication. I haven't declared a major, but I'd like to be in public relations.

What are your plans after college?

I would like to be in event planning or work for ESPN.

Is there any other athlete, either professional or collegiate, that inspires you?

Aside from my teammates and coaches who inspire me every day, I'd say Kara Goucher and Shalene Flanagan, but mostly it's my team and coaches, though, because they inspire every day to work harder.

Aside from track, what is your favorite sport?

Soccer, for sure.

If there is one food you cannot live without, what is it?

To be honest, I like to eat healthy, but if they told me 'Olivia, no more peanut butter,' I'd be in big trouble.

What's on your iPod right now?

I have all different kinds of music on my iPod. From the Fray to One Direction, I'm very broad. I like listening to top hits. It all depends on my mood. I like Kelly Clarkson. She has a lot of inspirational songs.

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