Comment: Olivia Ortiz deserving of state title

Three years ago, I walked into Lakewood Ranch High and met “Spider Legs” for the first time.
It’s an interview I’ll never forget.

The then freshman was quiet and reserved. She was polite and spoke about her teammates as if they had been training together for years rather than a matter of months. Every question always reverted back to her teammates. It was never simply about her.

Yes, for Olivia Ortiz, it has always been about teamwork.

From the moment she decided to join the cross country team as a way to stay in shape for soccer until now, Ortiz has been focused on helping the Lady Mustangs succeed both on and off the course.

There’s not a day that goes by that Ortiz isn’t running mile after mile, doing everything she can to guide the team to success. Her will and determination to get better year in and year out are nothing short of inspiring.

“I can’t even describe the dedication that girl has,” co-captain Devin McDermott said. “She has a mission and a wonderful work ethic, and she won’t stop until she reaches her goals.”

“She’s just an inspiring person,” teammate Kristin Zarrella said. “Olivia is the poster child for hard work.”

Nobody knew what to expect from Ortiz early on, but as I walked out of the high school that day I knew she was destined for greatness.

And on Nov. 19, Ortiz proved me right. The junior, who already has a school record, county, district and regional titles to her name, captured the Class 3A individual state championship at Little Everglades Steeplechase Ranch in Dade City.

Ortiz crossed the finish line in 17:39 — finishing nearly 10 seconds faster than the state runner-up and nearly three minutes faster than her very first race.

It was the icing on the cake for a girl who ran 500 miles over the summer for this moment. And even as she captured the program’s first individual state championship, she couldn’t help but remain humble.

It’s not every day that one is lucky enough to win a state championship; and it couldn’t have happened to a more dedicated, humble and deserving individual.