Freshman Infielder Providing Spark To Lady Sharks Softball Team
Alexis Ortega was destined to be a star on the softball field.
As the only girl in a four sibling family, she started her career when she was three, playing baseball with her brothers—Christian, Anthony and Ryan. Five years later, she joined the Lady Gators, a recreational squad in Palm Beach.
“Softball means a lot to me because it’s always been part of my life,” Ortega said. “It makes me happy.”
Today, the sport still brings Ortega joy.
As an 18-year-old freshman at Miami Dade College, the first baseman has been one of the few bright spots for the Lady Sharks offense. Ortega leads the team in home runs (three) while contributing 18 RBI and boasting a .274 batting average.
“Offense has always been one of Alexis’ strengths,” said Lady Sharks head softball coach Gina De Agüero, who has known Ortega since she was 14. “I believe her experience from this year will place her in a more prominent role next season.”
Ortega sharpened her skills in four years at Miami Palmetto Senior High School, pitching and playing the infield. During her tenure she won 11 games, posted a .438 batting average and added 80 RBI and seven home runs.
She earned All-Dade honors in 2019, 2021 and 2022.
Ortega’s connection to MDC was a natural one. Her parents were students at the Kendall Campus 20 years ago and her brother Anthony is majoring in fire sciences at Homestead Campus.
So when De Agüero offered Ortega a scholarship, she committed. It also helped that her best friend, Maya Wall, was also recruited to play for the Lady Sharks.
The duo previously played together on two other teams, attended elementary school at Coral Reef Montessori Academy and their brothers—Anthony and Tyler—were high school teammates.
That familiarity has helped Ortega get through a tough season at MDC. The Lady Sharks finished with a 14-26 record and 2-12 mark in Southern Conference play.
Despite the team’s struggles, Ortega has maintained her routine. She spends hours at the softball field practicing and at the gym. She runs, does shoulder presses and abdominal and leg exercises.
“She’s just an amazing person on and off the field,” said Wall, a center fielder. “She’s very powerful, positive. She’s also very talented. She’s hitting all these home runs this season [because] she’s consistent. She always has your back.”
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