Kayla Criswell-Ortiz

Norco College Alumni Spotlight (2018)

Kayla Criswell-Ortiz is no stranger to Norco College or soccer having competed since she was four years old, eventually playing center-mid for the College’s team during the 2017 season. Her impact was immense, earning first team All-Orange Empire Conference, team most valuable player, most inspirational, and was a scholar athlete.

Now 28, Ortiz is a returning student as well as a single mother of a three-year-old. She decided to go back to school in order to provide a better life for her and her son, Daniel.

In order to kick off her return to the College, she signed up for the CalWORKs program.

“If it was not for the help of CalWORKs, I would not be able to afford school or books,” she said. “The staff treats me like family and are always making sure I have the tools needed to succeed.”

The success Ortiz found on the field she has now discovered in the classroom. She currently maintains a 3.7 grade point average while studying kinesiology. Her goal is to become a registered nurse at Corona Regional Hospital.

As far as returning to the field, Ortiz said she is grateful for the opportunity and is excited to share her knowledge, which she hopes will transcend into a winning season.

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