Under the bright stadium lights at Helman Field, Pennridge High School senior Lana Ortiz walked across the turf on the field hockey team’s senior night, arms linked with her family, as the sound of applause and bittersweet tears echoed around her. Her teammate, Jaelyn Jones, a junior forever shaped by Ortiz, stepped forward with flowers, a gesture that said everything about what Ortiz meant to this team. She smiled widely, not the quiet one she once had as a freshman, but a new, confident one that she grew into.
When Ortiz switched from competitive dance to field hockey during COVID, she never expected this sport to become such an important part of her life. The first time she played, sprinting down the field with her lungs burning the good, electric way, something in her clicked. Now, six years later, she knows she wouldn’t be the same without it. Ortiz plays right midfield, which is a position that demands high precision, athleticism, and determination. These are all traits Ortiz exhibits off the field as well, being described by her teammates and coach as a young woman with extreme will and optimism, despite what life throws her way.
In her time with the team at Pennridge, Ortiz has been through difficult and triumphant seasons. The 2025 fall season was one of the triumphant ones. When the final whistle blew on the playoff-clinching game, Ortiz stared at the scoreboard in shock, waiting for someone to tell her it was a mistake. After years of being brushed aside as the “easy team to beat,” she felt pride rise in her chest as she realized they had finally made it. This was not just a win for Ortiz; this was proof that she could do anything she set her mind to.
Her teammates say this is what makes her unique. Suzan Eraydin, a field hockey teammate elected as their most humble player, has known Ortiz since sixth grade. She remembers thinking Ortiz was a shy and quietly funny girl. Now, Eraydin knows how spontaneous, nurturing, and anything but quiet a girl Ortiz is. “Lana makes the most of tough situations,” she says. “She inspires me each and every day.”
Another teammate, Kira Mangin, captain of the field hockey team, has seen how Ortiz changes the mood at every practice and game. Constantly cracking jokes and making the best of the hardest situations, Ortiz brought joy to the field. “Lana has made me grow as a person and a player to find joy in the little things,” Mangin shared. Ortiz’s ability to support her team was a constant presence that her teammates leaned on without even noticing.
The best example of this undying support is Ortiz’s relationship with her younger sister, Abby Ortiz, a sophomore on the Junior Varsity team. Ortiz is always there to cheer her on, guiding her through challenges and setbacks. For Mangin, this is a trait she wishes more people would have. “She always wants the best for Abby. That kind of support is rare.”
Off the field, Ortiz is known for her balance. She is the person who knows her limits and takes care of herself before she burns out. Eraydin admires this about her, stating, “She prioritizes herself and has great self-care… I aspire to be like her.” Her balance is even more impressive when you look at her academic schedule: German 5, AP Chemistry, AP Calculus BC, Western Literature Honors, and Honors History. Ortiz knows the demands of each class, so she maps out her tasks. While teammates slept or scrolled on their phones, bus rides to away games were when she had her lab papers out. Some mornings, when the nights were too hectic, Ortiz would wake up before the sun to review German vocab, never letting athletics jeopardize her academics.
But Ortiz’s progress is not just displayed by athletic talents or academic abilities. She has had to navigate constant shifts, with three new coaches in her four years playing at the high school level. With each coach having their own systems, Ortiz has had to adapt, stating, “Every season felt like starting from scratch.” Yet again, her motivation shone. While others groaned in protest, Ortiz was the one to lighten the mood when things looked bleak.
Chris Chookagian, head coach of the Pennridge High School Women’s Field Hockey Team, has worked with Ortiz for the last two years. “She is one of the most coachable players I’ve ever had since I started coaching,” he said plainly. Not only did she stand out for her skill, but also for her classy attitude and relentless desire to succeed. She listens, learns, and never backs away from a challenge. “She has left an impact on this team in that way and leaves big shoes to fill next season,” Chookagian added.
While she may not continue playing competitively after high school, her teammates and coach continue to cheer her on as she aims to become a chemical engineer. Ortiz will, without a doubt, leave behind a legacy of resilience and enthusiasm. She was a silent leader who shaped her teammates with humor and consistency. Ortiz made the team feel lighter and less worried about the trivial matters. Chookagian summed it up best, stating, “When she is on the field, her teammates are genuinely excited to watch her play.” Lana Ortiz, who entered the sport with low expectations, walked off the field for the last time with new self-confidence and friendships that will last a lifetime.
