Neira Ortiz assumes her role as mentor to the youngest players of the women’s team in the Pan American Games: “Puerto Rico volleyball has a future”

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Santiago, Chile – The Puerto Rican headquarters Neira Ortiz has had an outstanding performance in the volleyball of the Pan American Games Santiago 2023.

Against Cuba, Ortiz attacked 11-10, and against Argentina – which is a team older than Cuba – he finished 12-7 and added five blocks for a point.

The athlete, who suffered an ankle injury earlier this year, recognized her level, but understands that she has not yet reached the sky.

“After the injury it took me time to get back to the level I was at. And I still feel like I haven’t reached my full potential. I have goals and plans in relation to my level”said the 6′5″ tall, 30-year-old player.

Ortiz achieved 18 blocks for a point in the recently concluded world pre-Olympic tournament played in Japan and in which Puerto Rico had a good performance by playing 4-3 although they did not achieve the objective of qualifying for the Paris Olympics 2024.

The player added that her role as a veteran in the national team that plays in Chile has required her to raise her level of play to help the younger players. Puerto Rico plays with two corners with little international experience, and Ortiz becomes a safer option for setter Wilmarie Rivera.

“Being one of the oldest on the team, I have to be more terminal (finish the play) and help the team in whatever way I can,” said the player who is a center back partner with Alana Guibert, who is in her third year of high school.

She has liked the role of veteran and it fills her with hope and commitment to see a young team do the work on the field.

“This tournament is different because we are not with the summer team, but with new talent, and it fills me with pride because Puerto Rico volleyball has a future. I want to help you”, he pointed out.