When UT Permian Basin swimmer Alondra Ortiz dives into the pool, the world above the water fades away. The laps become her rhythm, the splashes her reset. For Ortiz, swimming isn't just about competition—it's about balance. 

"Swimming is actually like my break or my rest from everything else," said Ortiz.  "When I'm in the pool I get to relax and not think about anything else but the laps that I have to do and the times that I have to meet. So, it keeps me fresh when it comes to studying." 

That mindset has carried the Ortiz through an impressive start to her career as a swimmer for the Falcons. During her first year with the team, Ortiz placed third in both the 50 and 100 backstroke at the McMurry/Adams State double dual meet. She also helped her 400 freestyle relay team earn a third-place finish at the Hendrix Relays and recorded a top-16 finish at the RMAC Championships. Her performance in the pool was matched by her excellence in the classroom—Ortiz earned RMAC Academic Honor Roll and D2 ADA Academic Achievement honors in her first year. 

But her impact on campus extends far beyond athletics. 

Ortiz currently serves as the president of Theta Eta and First-Generation Falcons, while also holding leadership roles in Students in Philanthropy, Student Government Association, Student Advisory Council, Beta Gamma Sigma, and as an Orientation Leader. Her leadership has helped raise nearly $25,000 for nonprofit organizations through Students in Philanthropy, and she's been recognized as Outstanding Student Organization President and part of the Dean's Dozen. 

For Ortiz, Students in Philanthropy has been one of the most rewarding parts of her college experience, giving her the chance to make a tangible difference. 
 
"I've always liked to help people," Ortiz said. "Students in Philanthropy gave me the opportunity to do that. I've learned that our community has a lot of needs—not just here, but everywhere—and that even a little contribution can have a really big impact on a lot of people. So, it taught me that if we can help, even for a little bit, it can make a big change." 
 
For Ortiz, leadership is about collaboration and trust. She credits her success to the teams she leads and the people who stand beside her. 

"I think what makes my leadership effective is that I choose my teams carefully, and we support each other," she said. "We're always in each other's corner and pushing each other to be better." 

Her involvement as president of the First-Generation organization has been particularly transformative. As the first in her family to pursue a college degree, she understands the challenges and pride that come with the title. 

"It has meant a lot to me," Ortiz said. "Being President opened doors and helped me connect with so many people. It's given me opportunities I never imagined." 

Balancing academics, athletics, and leadership takes discipline—but Ortiz thrives on it. 

Her motivation stems from her family and her desire to make them proud. "I'll be the first in my family to graduate with a college degree," she said. "That pushes me to be better. My dream is to graduate summa cum laude— so that pushes me all the time to try to be better."  

When asked what advice she would give to other student-athletes striving to excel in both academics and athletics, Ortiz emphasized the importance of balance and discipline. 

"I would say learn to manage your time," she said. "Make sure that you're putting the same effort into your academics as you do into your athletics. My coach always says that we're student-athletes—students first, and then athletes. So, it's important for us to excel in our academics just as much as in our sports." 

Even as her swimming career approaches its close, Ortiz remains focused on finishing strong. 

"I want to drop my times and end the season with personal bests," she said. "But I also just want to have fun and enjoy it, since it's going to be my last year and my goodbye to swimming, at least competitive wise." 

Ortiz embodies what it means to be a Falcon—resilient, driven, and compassionate. Whether in the pool, the classroom, or leading her peers, she carries herself with pride and purpose. 

"Being a Falcon means doing your best and helping others along the way," she said. "It's about showing pride in everything you do." 

After graduation, Ortiz plans to pursue a master's in accounting and hopes to work in a field that allows her to give back to her community—while fulfilling her dream of traveling the world. 

From the pool lanes to the president's chair, Alondra Ortiz continues to prove that true leadership isn't just about success—it's about lifting others, staying grounded, and always striving for more.