One Texas. One Tennis: Alex Martinez Ortiz

One Texas. One Tennis. is a series highlighting the many faces, voices and experiences of Texas Tennis. Everyone is welcome on the tennis court and when we’re open, we’re at our best. On courts across Texas, every player has a story and those stories show the true diversity and strength of our tennis community. Want to share your story: CLICK HERE

From a hesitant 13-year-old struggling to keep balls inside the court in Mexico City to the top varsity player at San Benito High School, Alex Martinez Ortiz's relationship with tennis has been a powerful journey of transformation, community, and purpose. What began as an unfamiliar pastime quickly became a lifelong passion after a pivotal move to the United States introduced him to mentors who believed in his potential. Today, his impact extends far beyond the baseline. Having evolved from a dedicated competitor into a USTA League Team Captain, Certified Referee, Local League Coordinator, and Tournament Director, Alex embodies the very spirit of growth and unity. 

USTA Texas: How did you first get involved in tennis, and what kept you coming back to the court?

Alex Martinez Ortiz: I first held a tennis racket at the age of 13 while living in Mexico City. During a vacation visit to see my uncle, he took me to a local court in McAllen and introduced me to the game by feeding me balls. At the time, my shots were anything but controlled—I was sending balls flying everywhere—and I didn’t immediately connect with the sport.

Recognizing an opportunity, my uncle generously arranged private lessons for me back in Mexico City. However, without a genuine passion for the game, I often lacked the motivation to attend. Tennis, at that stage, was simply not something I saw myself pursuing.

Everything changed when I moved to the United States during my sophomore year at San Benito High School. Faced with the choice between golf and tennis, I chose tennis—unaware that this decision would shape my future. To my surprise, I quickly found my footing, and under the guidance of my high school coach—one of the most influential mentors in my journey—I developed both my skills and my love for the game. I graduated in 2018 as the #1 player on the San Benito Varsity Team.

From that point on, tennis became more than just a sport; it became a passion and a purpose. I sought to immerse myself in every aspect of the game. Over the years, I have had the privilege of serving as a USTA League Team Captain in 2018, becoming a USTA Certified Referee in 2021, stepping into the role of USTA Local League Coordinator in 2022, and most recently, becoming a Tournament Director in 2024—along with many other meaningful experiences along the way.

What has kept me coming back to the court is not only the love of competition, but the sense of community, growth, and opportunity that tennis continues to provide. None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of my family and the mentors who guided me every step of the way.

USTA Texas: Who in the tennis community has had the biggest impact on your journey? And why?

Ortiz: There are two individuals in the tennis community to whom I owe so much of my journey—people who didn’t just guide me, but truly changed the course of my life.

The first is my high school coach, Dan Hirst, from San Benito. When I first moved to the United States, I was stepping into a completely new world. I didn’t know anyone, and everything felt uncertain. Coach Hirst was the first person who believed in me. He saw potential in me before I could see it in myself. More than just teaching me the fundamentals of tennis, he gave me a sense of belonging, confidence, and purpose. He didn’t just develop me as a player—he helped shape who I am today and ignited a passion for the sport that would go on to define my path.

The second is Pilar Kamel, a remarkable leader within the South Texas tennis community. At a time when I was eager to grow beyond playing, she opened doors I didn’t even know existed. She believed in my ability to lead and serve the sport in new ways, recommending me to take on the role of USTA Men’s and Mixed Local League Coordinator. Later, in 2024, she once again placed her trust in me by recommending me for the Tournament Director position at South Texas CTA.

That moment meant everything to me. It wasn’t just an opportunity—it was validation that my passion and dedication had a place in this sport beyond the court. Because of her belief in me, I stepped into a role I now deeply cherish, and I’ve proudly served as a Tournament Director for over two years.

What makes both of these mentors so impactful is not just what they did, but how they made me feel—seen, supported, and capable of more than I ever imagined. Their belief in me became the foundation of my own belief in myself, and that is something I carry with me every time I step onto a court or give back to the tennis community.

USTA Texas: What is one lesson tennis has taught you that you carry with you off the court?

Ortiz: One of the most important lessons tennis has taught me is the value of consistency and the courage to follow what you love, no matter what others say.

USTA Texas: What is it about the tennis community that helps people from different backgrounds connect?

Ortiz: What makes the tennis community so unique is its ability to bring people from diverse backgrounds together through a shared passion for the sport. Regardless of where someone comes from, the moment they step onto the court, they are united by a common purpose.

Tennis promotes respect, discipline, and sportsmanship—values that transcend cultural and personal differences. With a genuine willingness to participate and engage, meaningful connections are formed naturally.

USTA Texas: What is one thing we can all do to make tennis more welcoming and inclusive for everyone?

Oritz: I believe it starts with kindness and inclusion.

One thing we can all do to make tennis more welcoming and inclusive is to be intentional about creating a positive and inviting environment for everyone who steps onto the court.

By leading with respect, openness, and a genuine willingness to connect, we can ensure that tennis is not only a competitive sport, but also a community where everyone feels valued and inspired to belong.

USTA Texas : What does “One Texas. One Tennis.” mean to you?

Ortiz: To me, “One Texas. One Tennis.” represents unity, opportunity, and a shared commitment to growing the game across every corner of the state.