Born in January 1990 in West Palm Beach, Florida, Melissa Ortiz is the daughter of two Colombian immigrants who instilled in her a deep love for her Latin roots. Following her siblings' footsteps, she discovered her passion and talent for soccer at a young age, a sport in which she made a name for herself as a professional player and celebrated as a sports journalist.
Her career has taken her as far as interviewing icons like Lionel Messi.
"It's been a beautiful transition, but also a difficult one, because when I retired from soccer in 2017, I knew I wanted to stay involved in the game—but I just didn't know how."
© Brad Smith/ISI Photos/USSFWhat started as a childhood passion became a career when she earned a sports scholarship in 2008 to attend Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida. There, she stood out on the Fighting Knights women's soccer team, competing in the NCAA Division II Sunshine State Conference.
Wearing the Lynn jersey, Ortiz grabbed attention with her skills as a forward, netting numerous goals. In 2013, her soccer journey took her to Iceland when she joined second-division club KR Reykjavik. That same year, she also made waves back in Colombia, playing for Cúcuta Deportivo Gol Star, a Colombian Women's Professional League club. She continued playing there until her retirement in 2017. "At that time, I started working with my parents in their business doing accounting and marketing, but I fell into depression because I wasn't happy having left soccer."
© Getty Images for Global CitizenThat tough period sparked her reinvention. Melissa found her new path in sports journalism, quickly proving her on-camera talent and deep understanding of the game. Determined to stay close to the sport she loves, she earned a spot as an analyst on Fox Sports, a platform that's allowed her to thrive and showcase her unique voice.
Ortiz has brought a Latin flair to her interviews and commentary, helping her connect with diverse audiences across the U.S. and beyond. Her proud bicultural identity shines through in everything she does.
"It's a reflection of being proudly Latina and American at the same time. That's just always been me."
© Getty ImagesHer vibrant expressions, cultural authenticity, and sheer passion have made her a rising star in U.S. sports media. She speaks to a new generation of viewers who blend identities and love the global game like her.
One of the highlights of her commentary career came in 2023, when Melissa was chosen to welcome Lionel Messi to Inter Miami, an unforgettable milestone for her professionally and personally.
"It was an unforgettable experience—for me, my family, my husband—I couldn't believe it. I felt so calm because it felt like home. There was Latin music playing. I hadn't memorized everything, but I just knew it would turn out spectacular," Melissa Ortiz told the Los Angeles Times.
Today, Melissa Ortiz is a powerful voice in sports broadcasting, inspiring young women, Latinos, and athletes everywhere to follow their passions—even if it means rewriting the playbook.
