Coupeville Sports

   Santiago Ortiz has made the jump from Cali, Columbia to the Coupeville High School soccer pitch. (John Fisken photo)

Santiago Ortiz is getting the most out of his American adventure.

“During this journey here in the U.S, I have met too many people,” he said. “Each one of them have changed my life in a positive way, even without them knowing so.”

A foreign exchange student from Cali, Columbia, Ortiz has adapted quickly to his new home at Coupeville High School, playing tennis and soccer for the Wolves, while also participating in the school’s drama program.

Interacting with others is a big part of his life and something he enjoys.

“Back home, there are a lot of people that have made a big impact in my life,” Ortiz said. “My parents, brother and my best friend are some of them.

“I’m a person that doesn’t like to be alone. I can even say my biggest fear is loneliness,” he added. “I like to be around people, my friends and family, to hang out with them and to have a great time together. ”

Whether it’s sports (he also enjoys volleyball) or other activities, Ortiz simply enjoys the companionship.

“I’m not really a very complicated person in terms of how to spend my time with friends,” he said. “It could be either in one of their houses or in a complete different place like the beach.”

When he’s not playing sports, Ortiz is a fan of the cinema, and he’s taking mental notes all the time.

“I like to watch movies and to analyze them,” he said. “I know it sounds weird, but I enjoy doing that, because, in the future, I see myself as a movie director, the best one.”

After picking up soccer as a young child — he would go to practices with his brother — Ortiz played for awhile before life got too busy.

Now, here in America, he’s enjoying a second chance at the sport.

“I used to play just for fun, with my family and friends in Colombia,” he said. “Now I’m here, doing a sport I like to play, having fun and making it the best experience.”

Getting out on the soccer pitch, especially after a tough day, has become an ideal way for Ortiz to relax.

“I enjoy playing soccer because firstly, soccer is fun to me, as it’s also a stress release for me,” he said. “After the pressure of schoolwork and projects, releasing these stresses on practice is enjoyable.

“Also, the satisfaction and excitement of dribbling past someone, giving good passes, or stopping a crucial goal from scoring are all great and satisfying achievements,” Ortiz added. “You feel like the happiest person in the world.

“The people cheering for you in the stands and the excitement of your team will make you so happy and satisfied.”

Ortiz can play both ends of the field, but he particularly enjoys being part of the crew that shuts down the other team.

“When I play soccer, I like to play defense,” he said. “I can stop the ball and get it out of danger. Stealing the ball from the rival is what I’m best at. It feels great.”

While he’s not sure whether he’ll continue playing after returning home, his soccer stint has encouraged him to get in top condition.

“As a soccer player, you run a ton on the field. I hate running. I get tired really fast. So I’d like to work on my speed and cardio,” Ortiz said. “One of my goals is to get in a better shape for future sports or activities I’d like to realize in the future.

“Right now, I just wanna have fun with my team, enjoying each game and each practice I have left.”