Inspired by his idol Liberman Agamez, young opposite hitter Maicol Ortiz is steadily advancing through demanding international competitions, laying the groundwork for the future of Colombian volleyball.
The year for Maicol Isaac Ortiz has been marked by extensive travel, new formidable opponents, and invaluable experiences far from home. In just a few months, the 17-year-old opposite spiker proudly represented Colombia at two major global events: the FIVB Boys’ U19 World Championship in Tashkent and the FIVB Men’s U21 tournament in Jiangmen, China. Each championship served as a crucial test of his abilities, revealing the significant gap in preparation and professional exposure compared to teams from more established volleyball nations.
“These trips are incredibly long, about 22 or 23 hours to Uzbekistan for the U19 and a similar duration to China,” Ortiz noted. “But it`s a great opportunity to explore different countries and compete against players who possess greater experience.”
The stark contrast between Colombian volleyball and the international scene became immediately apparent to him. Domestic competitions are infrequent, while many of his overseas counterparts train and play professionally year-round.
“In Colombia, we participate in only two tournaments annually,” he explained. “Conversely, many players here are already established in professional leagues.”
Despite the disparities in preparation, Ortiz consistently shone as a potent scorer. At the U21 Championship, he amassed 71 points, demonstrating a strong offensive presence with notable contributions from attacks, four blocks, and two serves. These statistics underscored his capability to lead Colombia`s offense against highly skilled and more experienced teams.
One of his most impressive performances was against Cuba, where he contributed 24 points in a closely contested five-set match. His impactful play ensured Colombia remained competitive until the very end, proving his ability to stand his ground against some of the tournament`s top young talents.
“I see myself as a very happy player,” Ortiz shared. “I train diligently to be prepared for these tournaments, and I believe our team is very good. However, we definitely need more matches against other countries to enhance our preparation.”
Ortiz also draws strength from his role models as he navigates his career path. While he admires several volleyball stars, including Brazil’s Darlan Souza, his most significant source of inspiration comes from Liberman Agamez, one of Colombia’s most renowned volleyball players. Agamez personally reached out to Ortiz before the championship, offering words that profoundly reinforced his dedication.
“I spoke with Liberman, and he sent me a message,” Ortiz recounted. “He assured me that I possess the training and the team necessary to represent Colombia effectively. He is truly my idol.”
The mentorship from a figure like Agamez, combined with the opportunities to compete internationally, provides Ortiz with a clear vision for his future years. He understands that his development hinges not only on domestic training but also on continuous international exposure, where the standard of play is higher and the challenges are more intense.
Addressing his growing fanbase, Ortiz expressed both gratitude and unwavering determination:
“Thank you all very much. We are committed to working incredibly hard. Our goal is to achieve something truly remarkable for our country. What we truly need is support, opportunities to play abroad, and to gain invaluable experience.”
These heartfelt words encapsulate both a promise to strive for national pride and a sincere plea for the essential support required to compete effectively beyond Colombia`s borders. For Ortiz, every journey, every match, and every single point contributes not just to his personal growth, but to the broader advancement of Colombian volleyball.
Jasper Thornfield 
Oliver Wrenwick