Name: Samantha Ortega
Year: Freshman
Sport: Cross Country / Track & Field (Distance)
Hometown: Santa Clarita, Calif.
*Finished as the top runner for the Sun Devil women in the last two races (Dave Murray & Joe Piane Invites)
Q: What was the determining factor in you coming to Arizona State?
A: The determining factors were definitely the coach and the team. I saw a real team atmosphere that I wanted to be apart of and contribute to. And I thought Louie was a great coach and someone I could work with, and he is!
Q: What do you like most about being a Sun Devil Athlete?
A: I love being apart of a family. Every Sun Devil is supportive of every other Sun Devil. We are one team working towards the same goals.
Q: You bring a lot of energy to the women’s team as a freshman, what makes you bring such a light and energetic attitude every week?
A: The energy comes from a love for running and racing, but also comes from the relationships I make with the team. My team is always worth smiling, training, laughing and racing for. I'm proud to be a Sun Devil, so I'm going to show it!
Q: However, you’re very serious when it comes race time…how do you flip that switch and put your game face on?
A: I flip the switch by changing my music. I'll usually play music that makes me happy before the race, but then turn on a motivational song to get my head in the game.
Q: What’s your go-to song before a race? Any pre-meet rituals?
A: My go to song is probably "The Fighter" by Gym Class Heroes. It basically entails how I feel about racing and being tough. My only ritual is really painting my nails the night before. It requires patience, and calmness, so I never get nervous or anxious about racing since I calm myself down before.
Q: What is your goal(s) for your first collegiate season?
A: My main goal for this season, and basically for every season, is to help our team get as far as possible, whether I'm scoring as a 7th runner or a front runner, my goal is just to help the team succeed.
Q: If you could play any other sport, what would you play?
A: I kind of wish that I could play volleyball, but I don't really have the height, coordination, or aim for the sport, so I guess I'll stick to running.
Q: Breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert…and what would you eat at that meal?
A: Breakfast for sure! It's the most important meal of the day! I enjoy bacon, but I usually aim to eat proteins and carbs of a sort. I'm a high mileage girl, so I'm always replacing energy with carbs.
Q: If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?
A: Ireland, hands down. Why? I'm not sure, I've always liked Ireland and everything about it.
Q: Who is your favorite athlete?
A: My favorite athlete is probably Emma Coburn. I love that she can steeple, and wish I could, but I am also to clumsy to steeple, so I'll stick to long distance running!