Past the Pool Deck – UTPB Athletics

By: Brandon Warr, Athletics Communication Specialist

When UT Permian Basin swimmer Alondra Ortiz dives into the pool, the world above the water fades away. The laps turn into her rhythm, the splashes her reset. For Ortiz, swimming is not nearly competitors—it is about steadiness. 

“Swimming is actually like my break or my rest from everything else,” mentioned Ortiz.  “When I’m in the pool I get to relax and not think about anything else but the laps that I have to do and the times that I have to meet. So, it keeps me fresh when it comes to studying.” 

That mindset has carried the Ortiz by a formidable begin to her profession as a swimmer for the Falcons. During her first 12 months with the workforce, Ortiz positioned third in each the 50 and 100 backstroke on the McMurry/Adams State double twin meet. She additionally helped her 400 freestyle relay workforce earn a third-place end on the Hendrix Relays and recorded a top-16 end on the RMAC Championships. Her efficiency within the pool was matched by her excellence within the classroom—Ortiz earned RMAC Academic Honor Roll and D2 ADA Academic Achievement honors in her first 12 months. 

But her affect on campus extends far past athletics. 

Ortiz at present serves because the president of Theta Eta and First-Generation Falcons, whereas additionally holding management roles in Students in Philanthropy, Student Government Association, Student Advisory Council, Beta Gamma Sigma, and as an Orientation Leader. Her management has helped elevate almost $25,000 for nonprofit organizations by Students in Philanthropy, and she or he’s been acknowledged as Outstanding Student Organization President and a part of the Dean’s Dozen. 

For Ortiz, Students in Philanthropy has been one of the vital rewarding elements of her faculty expertise, giving her the prospect to make a tangible distinction. 

 

“I’ve always liked to help people,” Ortiz mentioned. “Students in Philanthropy gave me the opportunity to do that. I’ve learned that our community has a lot of needs—not just here, but everywhere—and that even a little contribution can have a really big impact on a lot of people. So, it taught me that if we can help, even for a little bit, it can make a big change.” 

 

For Ortiz, management is about collaboration and belief. She credit her success to the groups she leads and the individuals who stand beside her. 

“I think what makes my leadership effective is that I choose my teams carefully, and we support each other,” she mentioned. “We’re always in each other’s corner and pushing each other to be better.” 

Her involvement as president of the First-Generation group has been notably transformative. As the primary in her household to pursue a university diploma, she understands the challenges and satisfaction that include the title. 

“It has meant a lot to me,” Ortiz mentioned. “Being President opened doors and helped me connect with so many people. It’s given me opportunities I never imagined.” 

Balancing teachers, athletics, and management takes self-discipline—however Ortiz thrives on it. 

Her motivation stems from her household and her need to make them proud. “I’ll be the first in my family to graduate with a college degree,” she mentioned. “That pushes me to be better. My dream is to graduate summa cum laude— so that pushes me all the time to try to be better.”  

When requested what recommendation she would give to different student-athletes striving to excel in each teachers and athletics, Ortiz emphasised the significance of steadiness and self-discipline. 

“I would say learn to manage your time,” she mentioned. “Make sure that you’re putting the same effort into your academics as you do into your athletics. My coach always says that we’re student-athletes—students first, and then athletes. So, it’s important for us to excel in our academics just as much as in our sports.” 

Even as her swimming profession approaches its shut, Ortiz stays targeted on ending sturdy. 

“I want to drop my times and end the season with personal bests,” she mentioned. “But I also just want to have fun and enjoy it, since it’s going to be my last year and my goodbye to swimming, at least competitive wise.” 

Ortiz embodies what it means to be a Falcon—resilient, pushed, and compassionate. Whether within the pool, the classroom, or main her friends, she carries herself with satisfaction and goal. 

“Being a Falcon means doing your best and helping others along the way,” she mentioned. “It’s about showing pride in everything you do.” 

After commencement, Ortiz plans to pursue a grasp’s in accounting and hopes to work in a area that permits her to offer again to her neighborhood—whereas fulfilling her dream of touring the world. 

From the pool lanes to the president’s chair, Alondra Ortiz continues to show that true management is not nearly success—it is about lifting others, staying grounded, and at all times striving for extra.