Santa Monica College sophomore Alyssa Ortega, has signed a National Letter of Intent to attend Newberry College, a NCAA Division II school in South Carolina. While at SMC, she scored 22 goals and recorded 14 assists over two seasons. She led the Corsairs to an 18-2-3 overall record and received All Western State Conference First team honor and won Best Offensive Player of the Year. Prior to Santa Monica, she was the team captain at Venice High School in Venice, CA. She was a four-year player and won MVP two years. She scored 90 goals in high school as well as playing volleyball. She was a three-year scholar athlete.
"I'm really excited about signing, and my parents are too! After I tore my ACL, missed the last 5 games including playoffs, I wasn't expecting it." Ortega has had surgery, is feeling better and could be fully recovered by August but could also "red-shirt" at Newbury if she is not ready by the pre-season.
Ortega attracted attention from a number of schools, before deciding to officially play for the Wolves. She has been assured that she can make an impact at Newberry. The Wolves finished last season with a 10-5-4 overall record and finished 8-2-1 in conference play. Her presence there could help them get closer to the title next season.
Ortega expressed thanks and gratitude toward the SMC Women's Soccer program and the coaching staff. "I loved playing here at SMC. Coach Pehanich is a great coach. He helped me with my confidence and helped me become a more all around player. In fact without his guidance I would be nowhere. Both Coach Pehanich and assistant Coach Tim Pierce have made a huge impact on my game. I feel that by playing here I anticipate better on the field, I'm faster, quicker and a much smarter player who makes good plays as well. "I would like all potential SMC Women's Soccer players to know that I would advise all of them to come to SMC! It's a lot less expensive and if you come to SMC you can have many more choices in terms of scholarship offers. You will improve under Coach Pehanich. Coming here has given me a memorable experience that has helped me with my life."