Columbus soccer standout earns major opportunity, signing with Inter Miami’s U19 squad

Christopher Columbus High School soccer coach Kameron Clark had seen the immense potential in one of his midfielders, Cristian Ortiz, for some time.

So much so that he couldn’t help but recommend him to one of the directors for Inter Miami Academy’s new U19 Soccer Team.

Clark, a 2010 graduate from Columbus who played all four of his years on their soccer team, attempted it for the first time during his soccer camp last summer, however, it was unsuccessful. But after bringing Ortiz up once more to the directors a few months later and this time showing them one of his goals from this past season versus Tampa Prep, they were sold.

And then, after weeks of try outs with the team, the academy witnessed what Clark was preaching about all along, and ultimately decided to bring Ortiz onto the squad, making him the first player to earn such an opportunity from the Columbus soccer program.

“With some guys, they pick up the pace and get a little better and then they kind of flatten out,” Clark said. “But [Cris] was consistent day in and day out, game after game. And I just thought he for sure had a chance of making the Inter Miami program.”

In August, Ortiz formally joins and begins working out with Inter Miami’s U19 squad. He said that training with Lionel Messi, former Argentina soccer star who recently joined Inter Miami, is one of the things he is most anticipating.

“But also,” Ortiz added, “I’m looking forward to being able to develop there in a pro environment, and I know its going to be really good for me for the next year that I’m with them.”

Ortiz desires to show younger people that anything is achievable.

“It feels amazing,” Ortiz said. “But I can also be able to show others that it is possible playing for high school and you can do big things.”

But this was a dream that was written in the stars years ago.

Ortiz was born in Puerto Rico and moved to Miami when he was just eight years old.

As a shy and timid young boy, he didn’t have many friends growing up and would often find himself spending more time with his family. But one thing that he did find enjoyment in was going to the beach and playing beach soccer.

His love for soccer began when he was just three years old. And because his father always encouraged him to focus on one sport, he continued playing soccer.

“I remember my father signing me up for teams like ‘Los Tigres’ and ‘Los Conquistadores’ in San Juan when I was very young in elementary school,” Ortiz said. “I owe my soccer success to my father and Coach Clark has also been instrumental. They are helping me get to where I want to be and I am so appreciative.”

Ortiz earned a spot on the varsity soccer team at Columbus during his sophomore year, and despite the fact that it was challenging for him to play against bigger and older kids while also being under a lot of pressure, he persevered.

He played in one game during his sophomore year against Goleman where he scored two goals and finished with four points.

And then, in the summer leading up to his junior year, he made significant developments. He spent his entire break training with Scott Yi, a former player in the German Professional League, as part of the Scott Top Soccer program. Eager to improve, he trained for five hours per day and six days per week.

Ortiz gives the program credit for propelling him into the player that he is today.

“[Scott] taught me a lot of stuff,” Ortiz said. “[He taught me] how to be disciplined with soccer stuff [and] mental stuff.”

As a junior, he excelled, scoring at least a goal in eight of his 11 games, including three goals and one assist against Hialeah Gardens. His summer’s worth of hard work appeared to have paid off.

He guided the Explorers to a 12-8-4 record and a victory over Doral Academy in the district final (1-0), capping off his high school career with 28 points, 12 goals, 12 shots and four assists.

Ortiz envisions himself playing at a high level in the future. With the opportunity that he has with Inter Miami, his fondest dream is just a little bit closer to reality.

“Soccer is something that I’ve always dreamed about playing at a pro level, going to college, and also getting education on the side just in case something happens,” Ortiz said. “That’s always been my dream since I was a kid.”