Coaches rave about McNeese State-bound 2020 infielder Aaliyah Ortiz’s soft hands on defense and her explosiveness to all fields when she’s at the plate.
But the Texas Bombers Gold’s teammates call her a great person and teammate to be around and one even called Ortiz her idol and a “legend in the making.”
“Aaliyah Ortiz is one of the most talented and determined softball players I know,” uncommitted 2022 pitcher Grace Sparks said. “The skill she provides for the team is dependability. Need a runner on base, she’ll give you one. Need an extra defensive player anywhere on the field, she has it locked down. She is unique because not only is she a great player, she is a great friend. She uplifts people at any time and helps boost their confidence. She is a person I could call one of my idols. A legend in the making.”
The Texas Bombers pitchers and catchers know how devastating Ortiz can be at the plate.
“She’s a great team player and someone you can always count on to come through with a big hit in a big game,” Texas-committed 2020 catcher JJ Smith said. “She brings tremendous power to our team; if you’re pitching against her, you better hope you pitch that ball to where she can’t touch it because if it’s in her range, she’s gonna do major damage. I think I have seen her hit every pitch out of the ballpark. Whether it’s at her chest or her shins, she will demolish it. She’s awesome and a great person and teammate to be around.”
Texas-committed 2021 pitcher Sophia Simpson said don’t forget about Ortiz’s excellent defensive skills.
“Aaliyah is definitely the most hard-working player I know,” Simpson said. “Playing with her this summer I found out how much of a stud she is defensively and offensively. She would be the person to earn a Gold Glove with the quickness she has and I definitely believe she has the best eyes in the country to see a good ball to hit.”
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