5 Questions: Meet Sports PR Standout Sarah Ortiz

Sarah Ortiz ’25 has built extensive experience in sports public relations with the UO Athletic Department and the Eugene Emeralds.

By Lily Reese, class of ’27

Journalism major Lily Reese interviewed public relations major Sarah Ortiz about her passion for sports PR. This article is part of a series highlighting graduating seniors from the SOJC. It has been edited for length.

portrait of Sarah Ortiz taken in the Eugene Emeralds locker room where she is surrounded by Emeralds' gear
Fourth-year public relations major Sarah Ortiz poses in the Eugene Emeralds locker room. Ortiz said her role with the Eugene Emeralds was her favorite internship. All photos courtesy of Sarah Ortiz.

1. What first inspired you to major in public relations at the UO School of Journalism and Communication (SOJC), and how has your experience shaped your goals?

My journey to the SOJC was anything but ordinary. I started community college in the fall of 2018 as a pre-law major. Fast-forward to the pandemic, when I decided to take a break from classes until they were back in person. During that time, my brother, a professional photographer for the LA Galaxy soccer team, would often take me to work with him as his assistant. I fell in love with the atmosphere of the sports world and realized that if I could do this for the rest of my life, I would be content.

After a lot of prayer and reflection, I decided to change my major and applied to the University of Oregon once I saw how many amazing opportunities the school had to offer. The SOJC has so many success stories of people working with the NCAA, ESPN, Fox Sports and others. I knew I would thrive in an environment like this. I chose to focus on public relations because it offers such a wide range of career paths.

If I’m honest, I didn’t have many specific “goals” when I first came here — I just knew I wanted to work in sports eventually. Since moving to Oregon, I’ve achieved dreams I didn’t even know I had. The SOJC has truly given me the best few years of my life.

2. Has any class or professor at the SOJC had a major impact on your journey?

So many professors have left a lasting impact on my journey. Kelli Matthews, Renee Mitson, Saeed Dabbour, Nikki McClaren and David Ewald — just to name a few. They went above and beyond, teaching not just from textbooks but from real experience and heart. They gave me lessons I will carry with me long after graduation.

Sarah Ortiz poses with the Oregon Duck under an umbrella while standing on an empty football field in the rain
Sarah Ortiz, a fourth-year public relations major, poses for a photo with the Oregon Duck. As an incoming student, she reached out to Oregon Athletics personnel asking about job opportunities. After reviewing her resume, they hired her.

Another person who changed my path is Associate Director of Student Services Rachel Allen. Although she isn’t a professor, she has been my advisor and biggest supporter for several years. Without her guidance, encouragement and belief in me, I truly don't think I would be where I am today. She has been my constant cheerleader and a steady source of support through every high and low. Rachel isn’t just a mentor — she’s become a friend, and I’ll always be grateful for the role she’s played in my story.

3. During your time as a University of Oregon Athletic Department intern, what were your most valuable lessons or experiences?

When I got accepted to UO, I took five seconds of courage and called the Athletics Communications Department. To my surprise, one of the directors answered. I told him I was an incoming student and that I would love to work for him. I sent him my resume, we talked for a bit, and a few weeks later, I was touring the facilities and interviewing for a position. I started a few weeks after that. I learned that a few seconds of courage can open doors you never imagined. Someone took a chance on me, and for that I am immensely grateful.

4. What sparked your passion for working in sports PR, and how has it evolved through your internships?

It was during the pandemic that I first fell in love with the atmosphere of the sports world. Watching my brother work as a photographer showed me how much heart and energy goes into every event behind the scenes. Once I changed my major to public relations and started my journey at Oregon, that passion only grew. Through my internships, I got to experience the fast-paced environment I had once only dreamed about. I discovered how much I love telling athletes’ stories, supporting teams behind the scenes and being part of something bigger than myself.

As I prepare for graduation, I’m also wrapping up one of my favorite internships so far — working for the Eugene Emeralds (Minor League Baseball team). This experience has been the perfect way to end my time at Oregon. Every opportunity, from my first call to the Athletics Communications Department to now working for the Emeralds, has built my confidence and shaped my path. As I close this chapter and look ahead to what’s next, I’m proud of how far I’ve come — and even more excited for the dreams still ahead.

5. You were part of the Philadelphia Eagles’ Diversity Development Series. What was that experience like?

Sarah Ortiz speaks into a headset microphone from the sidelines of a football field
Sarah Ortiz gives plays from the sidelines during a high school football game. A fourth-year public relations major, Ortiz fell in love with sports after working as an assistant for her brother, who is a photographer for LA Galaxy soccer team.

The Philadelphia Eagles’ Diversity Development Series was a five-week program that offered lessons far beyond the professional skills needed to work in the NFL. Although the series has ended, the knowledge, encouragement and personal growth I gained from it will stay with me throughout my career. Each week, I had the opportunity to learn directly from leaders across different areas of the organization — individuals who once stood exactly where I am now, full of ambition and determination. Hearing their stories made me feel seen in a competitive industry and reminded me that there is space for driven, passionate individuals like myself to succeed.

The program emphasized the importance of preparation, resilience and maintaining confidence even during uncertain times. It taught me that success isn’t just about talent — it’s about staying ready, trusting your abilities and stepping forward with intention when opportunities arise. I also developed a new understanding of leadership: that true leaders lift others as they climb, creating space for those who come after them. The mentorship, advice and support I received during the series pushed me to grow both personally and professionally.

I finished the program with a stronger sense of purpose, a renewed belief in my ability to thrive in this field and an even deeper excitement to continue building a career in sports communication. The Diversity Development Series didn’t just prepare me for the next step — it reminded me why I chose this path in the first place.

Lily Reese is a second-year journalism major at the SOJC, with a minor in food studies. She is passionate about storytelling, sustainability, and lifelong learning. Lily loves to write, and her work can be found in Ethos Magazine and Align Magazine.