Beyond the Mat: The Inspiring Story of Jasimen Ortega

Jasimen Ortega, shares insight on her unwavering dedication and relentless work ethic that propels her towards success in wrestling.

By: Sophia Rexhepi

It is common to watch those who excel at sports and assume that what they do comes naturally to them. We often think they were just granted this talent and immense skill without even having to try.

However, what we don’t see is the hours of work, sweat, and determination to get as good as they are.

Jasimen Ortega, ’24, one of the three captains on Redwood’s Girls’ Varsity Wrestling team has demonstrated immense strength and success in her wrestling tournaments. She has been wrestling since age seven and wrestling has become a huge part of her life.

Ortega originally did not choose wrestling as her sport. Ortega says, “My Dad put me in… During Sixth Grade I realized I enjoyed it. I liked the Ranger wrestling clubs that Coach Watts set up. He does tournaments for young kids.”

Ortega’s journey will not just end at the high school level. Ortega says, “I’m signed to Westcliffe University. I’m pretty excited to see a new level of wrestling out there.”

Ortega says her senior night “went pretty fast and I already had wrestled that night so I wasn’t that emotional. I’ll be more emotional when it’s my final time ever wrestling.”

Teamwork and a tight community are important for every sport. Ortega says, “I like that we all treat each other equally. There’s no judgment. We all support each other. I’m really close to Audrey.”

Ortega says, “I think Redwood Wrestling deserves more recognition. It needs to be talked about more.”

Motivation is key to keeping athletes dedicated and moving forward. Ortega says, “I want to build myself to have a champion mindset and have a really strong mentality.

Ortega has to be consistent in training to provide quality work. Ortega says, “I usually train Monday through Friday’s; even sometimes on the weekends.” To stay disciplined when training Ortega adds, “Even if there’s any off days I try to remember the love that I have for this sport.”

Having someone or something that inspires you is key to success. Ortega says, “My biggest inspiration for wrestling is my little brother Gabriel. He is my biggest inspiration because we both pick each other up and we push each other to our best potential. I love how much hard work he puts into the sport which makes me want to go further in my own wrestling career.”

Audrey Segura, ’24, a fellow Varsity captain on Redwood’s Women’s wrestling team, has been wrestling for eleven years and will continue wrestling in college. Segura highlights the energy Ortega brings to the team. Segura says, “She always brings a bright energy to the team and always knows how to make the team laugh with the silly stuff she does.”

Segura says, “My favorite part about her is that if she wants something she’ll work for. She also doesn’t let what people say affect her and her wrestling.”

Strength is needed to play a sport like wrestling. However, physical strength isn’t the only type of strength needed to succeed. Segura says, “One of her strengths is that she’s confident in her training and in herself. She isn’t afraid to do anything so I think that’s what makes her a tough person and a strong wrestler. “

Rita Nelson, head coach of girls wrestling at Redwood has been coaching for 8 seasons. Nelson says, “Wrestling was a family sport. I didn’t do it competitively until high school. I then landed a scholarship to wrestle at Menlo College. They were the only college, in California, with a girl’s program.”

Nelson points out the calm energy Ortega brings to the team. Nelson says, “Jasimen is patient and calm. She doesn’t panic in tough matches. I believe these strengths allow her to maintain a positive mindset so she can continue improving and working towards her goals.”

Nelson says, “Jasimen is our little diva, in all the good ways. She never misses an opportunity for a photoshoot and she loves making memories with her teammates. Aside from her fun personality she is a go-getter on the mat and is focused on her post-season success. This room won’t be the same when she graduates.”

Ortega has grown exponentially in her past few years at Redwood. Nelson says, “Jasimen has shown tremendous growth throughout the past four years, on and off the mat. She made positive adjustments in wrestling to help elevate her technique. She made grades a priority. She put many hours into finding the right college for her and found success in all those those things.”

Ortega embodies dedication and resilience. Her commitment to her sport, her teammates, and her personal growth shows both on and off the mat. With her infectious energy, steadfast determination, and genuine spirit, Ortega leaves a mark on the Redwood Girls’ Varsity Wrestling team.

As Ortega prepares to embark on the next chapter of her wrestling journey at Westcliffe University, her legacy as a leader, teammate, and athlete will continue to inspire those around her for years to come.

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