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February generally marks the finale of football season across the country. And, while the Super Bowl stands out as the pinnacle event, additional championship games for players of all ages highlight growth, commitment and hard-earned success.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Sarah Ortiz, coordinator of intramural sports and special events in Campus Recreation, understands the positive impact sports can have on young players’ development. She contributes to that development as a mentor and officiant, most recently refereeing the NFL Flag Football Championship Tournament at Pro Bowl in Las Vegas.

“Being involved in flag football at a high level is special, because I played flag football all four years as a high school student in Florida,” Ortiz shared. “Our team won its first title in 2014 and earned a state ring at one point. I’m proud that I have the opportunity to continue to be involved in a sport that I love in a valuable way, and get the chance to encourage other women to get involved in officiating.”

Having built an extensive resume of competitive officiating, the 2022 tournament marked Ortiz’s first time serving as a championship official with NFL Flag Football. She has also officiated two regional tournaments and two national tournaments for the league.

Additionally, Ortiz officiated the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA) National Championship Tournament in 2018 and 2019. She was named an All American official in 2019, ranking her within the top 10 flag football officials in the nation.

She also had the honor of being an official for the first National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Women’s Flag Football National Championship Tournament in May 2021. She’ll continue her officiating career with NAIA Flag Football in the upcoming season.

“The sport is incredibly empowering and fun, especially for females,” she explained. “Seeing it get the recognition it deserves at such a high level to the point that the NFL is involved and has played a huge part in making Women’s Collegiate Flag Football happen gives me goosebumps,” she added.

Ortiz serves as a mentor to many young individuals rising in the sport. She promotes student development and mentorship as major values held in her professional roles.

“I’ve found some of my greatest and most impactful relationships through officiating this sport,” she said. “A good number of former students still reach out asking for advice or giving life updates. Officiating has encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and try things that scare me, which in turn has allowed me to enhance my leadership style, which directly impacts my current role in Campus Recreation.”

Photos: SIUE’s Sarah Ortiz officiates the 2022 NFL Flag Football Championship Tournament at Pro Bowl held in Las Vegas.

SIUE’s Sarah Ortiz, coordinator of intramural sports and special events in Campus Recreation.