Athlete of the Week: Rubi Ortiz

Rubi Ortiz is a marketing freshman from Bay City, Texas, who plays midfield for the UTRGV Women’s Soccer Team. She scored her first collegiate goal in the 12th minute of a 2-2 conference draw against the McNeese State University Cowgirls at the UTRGV Soccer and Track & Field complex on the Edinburg campus.

Q: Can you tell us a fun fact about yourself?

A: “I have a rottweiler. His name is Loki. He is my best friend.”

Q: Who or what got you started in soccer?

A: “My dad. Since I was little, we were always on the field, every day. That’s all I remember, actually, being on the field.”

Q: Who has been your biggest inspiration or role model?

A: “Probably my brother–my little brother. He’s always been working hard in soccer and football, and he’s getting a lot better. So, he’s probably my drive right now.”

Q: What kind of music do you like to listen to?

A: “I love everything. I love Billie Eilish. She’s my favorite.”

Q: Any shows or movies you like to watch?

A: “I’m watching ‘Lost’ right now. [It’s] pretty good.”

Q: Do you have any hobbies?

A: “Homework, is that a hobby? That’s all I do outside of soccer. I guess watching Netflix, that’s my hobby.”

Q: What is your biggest motivation?

A: “My dad [and] my family.”

Q: What do you like the most about UTRGV?

A: “I love the atmosphere. Everyone is so nice and very outgoing and they just love. They’re not afraid to connect, especially people who are not in athletics. They’re easy to talk to and easy to be friends with.”

Q: What are your biggest goals?

A: “To be able to go more in-depth with soccer. My goal right now is to become the best I can be as a freshman. And then, sophomore year, [to be] better than my freshman year.”

–Compiled by Ali Halloum