Maureen Ortiz of Dutch Fork talk to scrunners for the first salute to seniors of the South Carolina class of 2023.
Maureen Ortiz / Dutch Fork - 800m: 2:31.12 - 5K: 20:47.78
What was your most memorable race/competition?
Cross Country - Lexington County Championships 2022 - I had a major PR that day and so did a lot of my teammates.
Out of all your high school accomplishments, which stands out the most?
Achieving the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship was probably my greatest achievement because I had to work hard to meet the requirements which involved many long nights of studying. It is a reflection of my hard work that I have put into academics.
If you could do it all over again, what would you change about your athletic career in high school?
There is nothing I would change because everything I have done has led me here and I am happy with where I am.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
Getting out of my own head was a large obstacle in running for me. It was easier for me to tell myself that it isn't worth it to push harder than it was to push harder. Learning to set my mind free while I run was one of the best things I learned to do.
What advice do you have for younger athletes?
The commonality between those who say "I can't" and those who say "I can" is that they are both right.
How have your coaches influenced your performances and your life goals?
They have been role models for me as they reflect proper leadership. They have inspired me to push myself and also been there for harder times during the season. My coaches have shown me that I can do almost anything that I set myself to do.
What kind of impact did your family have on your time as a high school student-athlete?
My father ran cross country/track in high school so he gave me a lot of advice throughout my six years of running. Ultimately, I would not be where I am today without his support.
What are your college or post-high school plans?
I am going to USC Upstate to major in nursing. Also, I have signed onto their cross country and track and field team.
What do you hope to achieve after high school?
I hope to continue to succeed in running and in school. I hope that I can major in nursing after high school and also place well in college running.
Do you see yourself coaching in the future? Please explain and if so, what level and why?
I see myself coaching because I like to watch people set goals and achieve them so to be a part of that process would be amazing. I think any level of coaching would be fun because as an athlete myself, no matter the age my coaches have always had an impact on me.
Shout-outs?
All my coaches, Joseph Ortiz, and my friends who ran along side with me.
If there is one thing in the world you could do, what would it be and why?
I would get an MD in general practice and move to South America to provide free health care to anybody that needs it because I just want to help people.
