WINFIELD, Kan. — Senior defensive specialist Kalissa Ortega, a Friant, California native who transferred to Southwestern College in the fall of 2024, has been named the school's KCAC Champions of Character Award recipient, recognizing her influence both on the court and within the team culture.
Ortega appeared in all 28 matches and 96 sets this season, anchoring the back row with 160 digs, 244 receptions, and 24 service aces. Her 1.67 digs per set made her one of the team's most consistent defensive presences, contributing to a Southwestern unit that averaged 14.18 digs per set and nearly 1,900 total receptions on the year.
Though primarily a defensive specialist, Ortega added five kills when called upon and showed improved confidence in serve-receive, an area that became a defining part of Southwestern's defensive identity. Her steadiness helped support a roster that totaled more than 1,300 digs and nearly 200 service aces through the season.
Head coach Ken Brokaw said Ortega's impact stretched far beyond measurable statistics.
"Kalissa has made such an impact on our program in her two seasons here," Brokaw said. "She gives her all every day and never takes a rep off. She has worked so hard and improved a ton, especially on serve receive. Kalissa is also very intentional about creating a positive team culture; she's the type of player that makes us better every play, whether she touches the ball or not. Our future leaders have big shoes to fill!"
After arriving in Winfield as a transfer in 2024, Ortega quickly became a stabilizing voice in the locker room and a reliable presence in the back-row rotation. She played a key role in Southwestern's nine victories, bringing energy and discipline to a team competing in one of the conference's toughest defensive landscapes.
Off the court, Ortega emerged as a respected leader, known for her daily work ethic and the standards she set for her teammates. The KCAC Champions of Character Award, which recognizes athletes who embody integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship and servant leadership, reflects the influence she carried well beyond gameplay.
Her journey from California to Kansas, and her rise as one of the Moundbuilders' most valued cultural leaders, leaves behind a lasting standard for future classes to follow.
