Hello, my name is Tanisha Ortega.  I am 12 years old and a 7th grader at Allen Jay Middle School in High Point, North Carolina.  I have one sister, Sheana Ortega, who is a junior at Southern Guilford High School.  My mother, Amanda Kingsberry, provides for us and has always been very supportive of our interests.

I played basketball with Nexus in the 2002 winter league and the 2002 summer league at the Central YMCA in Greensboro, NC.  Currently I am playing basketball for my school, Allen Jay Middle.  I started my career playing basketball at the Central YMCA when I was 7 years old.

Playing with Nexus, I played my favorite game last winter.  That was when we won the Championship game.  I enjoyed playing for Nexus because Coach Britt really showed me how to improve my skills.  Playing on a team with mostly boys wasn’t hard for me, mainly because I’ve played co-ed ball since I was 7.  As a girl on a boys team, it has taught me to play harder and have more confidence in myself.

At my first practice with Coach Britt, I was thankful that he didn’t only look at my outward appearance, but at my determination.  After our first practice, he told my mother, “she can play really good!”  It was then that Coach Britt recognized my enjoyment and skills of the game.

I thank Coach Britt for the opportunity to prove myself on and off the court.  I also thank the different coaches I have had that have shaped me into the player that I am today.

Nexus helped me be a better player and I am very appreciative.

“Always Will Be With Nexus”

Tanisha Ortega #20