Who is Bailey Ortega?
I’m going to be honest with you, for the longest time, I’m not sure I knew the answer to that question.
I’ve always had a bad habit of being influenced by other people’s opinions and perceptions of me.
So when I had the opportunity to play volleyball at Iowa and build my own brand through NIL, I was in a bit of a dilemma.
While I was excited, how was I supposed to build a brand when I didn’t really know who I was?
I had to do some soul-searching and ask myself what my values, priorities, and strengths were. What did I have to give to the world outside of hitting a volleyball over a net?
Most importantly, what did I want people to think of when they think of Bailey Ortega?
It took some time, but after some quality therapy sessions and learning more about myself and who I want to be, I was able to answer those questions.
And in doing so, I created my own merchandise line.
I even came up with my own slogan: Just an Iowa kid.
I’m accomplishing my dreams by playing for a team I’ve loved my entire life.
I have the chance to play DI volleyball in the Big Ten and travel across the country, but at the end of the day, I’m just a kid from Davenport, Iowa.
And I want nothing more than to use my platform and the opportunities I’ve been given to make an impact.
Fulfilling a childhood dream
I’ll never forget going up the elevator at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on my recruiting visit to Iowa.
It felt surreal.
A few minutes before, the coach had just offered me a walk-on spot on the team and told me I could take as long as I needed to decide, but I didn’t need any more time.
I spent my childhood going to games at the same arena, and here I was, finally able to live out my dream and play for the Hawkeyes.
What people don’t always realize is that there aren’t any major professional teams in Iowa, so the fans live and die for this university.
Playing in front of such a dedicated and passionate fan base – combined with only being an hour away from my hometown in Davenport – made it an easy decision for me.
I had so many people tell me I wasn’t good enough to play DI volleyball, but I was ready to continue to prove my doubters wrong and make my family proud.
The power of teamwork
When NIL first passed, I wasn’t entirely sure if I fit the billing.
I thought maybe it was suited for star football or basketball players, you know what I mean?
But once I fully grasped the potential and possibilities of NIL that would allow me to give back to a community and state that have done so much for me, I was all-in.
As I mentioned before, I came up with the Just an Iowa Kid slogan for my merchandise, but I needed someone to help create the apparel.
Using the connections in my home state, I reached out to Temple’s Sporting Goods. I actually used to work there back in the day, so I knew them and had established a relationship with them previously.
Being an Iowa-based company, I let them know about NIL and how amazing it’d be if we worked together to sell some merchandise to all the Hawkeyes fans.
Not only did they graciously agree to partner with me, but they’ve gone above and beyond in the process.
They gave me full creative control in regard to graphics, what I wanted supplied in the store, etc., and they’ve been an absolute joy during the years I’ve been working with them.
When it comes to seizing opportunities, there’s never been a better time to be a DI athlete, and I feel nothing short of blessed for all the opportunities and doors that have been opened for me throughout my time at Iowa.
When NIL first passed, I wasn't entirely sure if I fit the billing. I thought maybe it was suited for star football or basketball players, you know what I mean? But once I fully grasped the potential and possibilities of NIL that would allow me to give back to a community and state that have done so much for me, I was all-in.
The bigger picture
When I set out on this NIL journey, I knew I wanted to give back and make a difference, and I’m so happy that I’m able to do that.
Around 25% of the proceeds I make through my merchandise sales are donated to the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital.
The Children’s Hospital is such an integral part of Iowa athletics.
I’m sure everyone’s heard about our tradition where the entire stadium at Kinnick waves to the kids in the hospital after the first quarter of every football game.
Getting involved with the Children’s Hospital is something I wanted to do through my NIL partnership from the very beginning.
Making cool shirts and coming up with fun designs is great, but there’s a bigger picture here.
I’ve been fortunate enough to find some time in my schedule to volunteer and read to some kids, and in doing so, establish relationships and personal connections with them.
Having a positive impact on these kids has by far been the most rewarding experience of my life.
I’ve donated over $1,500 to the Children’s Hospital since my store’s been up and running, and I look forward to increasing that number going forward.
Here to make a difference
I don’t know the exact statistics, but I know playing college sports is a privilege. Having a scholarship is a privilege. And being a DI athlete is a privilege, too.
The point I’m trying to make is, as DI student-athletes, sometimes we forget how blessed we are to compete at the highest level and have the platform we do.
That’s why it’s such an honor to have the Children’s Hospital on campus because it’s a constant reminder of how grateful I am for the life that I have.
I want to do everything I can to help as many children as possible. Whether it’s donating money, putting a smile on their faces, or just simply having a conversation with them, that’s what I’m here to do.
If I can make half the impact they all have on me, then I can go to bed each night knowing I’m making a difference and leaving my mark on a community that I absolutely adore.
While so much has changed in my life in the last few years, and I’ve grown as a person and learned more about myself, one thing remains the same.
I’m still just an Iowa kid, and I’m here to make a difference.
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