Emily Ortiz (Tustin HS), who was a freshman on the Cerritos College women's track and field team in 2024, has been selected to to Guatemalan National Team. Earlier in the year at the Central American U20 Championships in San Jose, Costa Rica, Ortiz took third place in two events on May 18, 2024. Ortiz, who qualified for the Southern California Championships in the discus and hammer during the season for the Falcons, placed third in the 1kg discus, as well as in the 4kg hammer.

"For a track athlete to be named to the Guatemalan National Team means that the athlete has been selected to represent Guatemala in national or international track and field competitions," stated Falcons head coach Chris Richardson. "This selection is typically based on the athlete's performance in qualifying events, meeting specific time, distance, or point standards, or through a selection process by the country's athletics governing body, such as the Federación Nacional de Atletismo de Guatemala."

Competing for Guatemala at the U20 Championships, Ortiz went 38.51 meters on her first of six throws in the hammer. It marked the second best distance after the first round and she ended up in third place in the event. As for the discus, her best throw of 36.28 meters came on her second of six attempts and she went on to earn her second bronze medal of the championships.

While with the Falcons this season, Ortiz turned in personal best distance of 40.29 meters in the hammer and 39.47 meters in the discus.

"Being named to the National Team is a prestigious achievement, signifying that the athlete is among the best in their discipline within the country," added Richardson. "They might compete in events such as the Central American Games, Pan American Games, World Championships, or the Olympics, representing Guatemala on a global stage."