At Rensselaer, we are proud to recognize the student-athletes who are members of the Class of 2020. We thank them for their hard work, dedication and tremendous efforts in representing the Institute in a first-class manner academically and athletically. We wish them well as they continue to complete the semester and become Rensselaer alumni / alumnae. 

While at Rensselaer:
Four-year performer ... Captain as senior ... Played 98 career games, starting 59 ... Scored 945 points with 465 rebounds, 133 assists and 166 steals ... Averaged in double digits for scoring twice ... At least 30 steals every season ... Liberty League Performer of the Week twice ... Rookie of the Week twice ... Civil Engineering major ... Dean's Honor List.

Favorite sports memory during career?
"This last season has been exceptional. We've gotten closer as a team and it's felt more like a family than ever before. We've shared so many good times while working very hard to get the farthest I have ever gotten at RPI, making it to playoffs semifinals." - April 2020

What makes Rensselaer so special?
"It gives you the opportunity to get your degree while playing the sport you love and becoming friends with people that share your passion, bonding with them over the years to become some of your closest friends that I hope to keep for a long time." - April 2020

What are your post-graduation plans?
"Working as an engineering development program associate at Dragados USA, Inc." - April 2020

From the coaching staff:
"The best ways to describe Ines on the basketball court are quiet confidence, perseverance/quiet toughness, explosive plays from a silent assassin, versatility, leadership growth and team first.
 
Ines played with injury issues all four years, while navigating the language and cultural differences between her home country and her adopted country. She grew from a 'lead by example' teammate and added 'vocal leader' her junior and senior years.

As her individual steals stats demonstrate, she was a very good defender who put a tremendous amount of pressure on the individual she was guarding, but also on the opponent's offense as a whole. Ines used her agility, quickness and anticipation to put pressure on ball handlers, passing lanes and from the help side of our defense. She was one of those players who quietly went about doing her job for the team but who had a knack for making momentum changing plays at the right time with explosive action.

The fact that Ines is in the top 10 in free throws attempted demonstrates her willingness to challenge the defense and put herself in harm's way. Her top 10 ranking in steals shows she would do the hard work of playing defense from start to finish of every possession.
 
The only stat that truly mattered to Ines was win/loss and team success. For example, she was among our leaders in points, rebounds, steals and assists in her junior year, but she was not aware of any of this until it was mentioned to her in an individual meeting. She viewed individual stats as a way to goal-set what we felt were the contributions she needed to make for our team. There importance were only in whether or not they made the team better. Throughout her four years Ines fulfilled whatever role the coaches felt would best support the team's quest for success, while doing so faithfully, passionately and humbly." - March 2020 

What others say:
"Very funny and a kind soul, although she comes off as shy at first, sort of a silent leader. Very inclusive to all of us." - March 2020

"Ines was a very quiet assassin on the court. She didn't care about points or other stats, her main objective was to help our team to victory. She played hard no matter what the situation and she never complained. She is someone who leads by example and she definitely did that for our team. Ines is a true inspiration to everyone she has played with and I can't wait to see where her hard work and dedication takes her in the future." - March 2020

"Ines Ortea has been a role model from the beginning. She is an amazing basketball player but an even better friend. If you need something or someone to talk to, she will be there in a second. I am so grateful that this game gave me the opportunity to meet her." - April 2020

"Ines has always been the silent, work horse of our team. She loves the game more than anyone. In addition, she is one of the most caring individuals I've ever met. Good luck with everything!" - April 2020

"Ines Ortea is an amazing athlete and an amazing person. She works hard everyday at practice and is always cheering her teammates on. You may think she's a little quiet but don't let that fool you on the court! Ines was someone who would always check in to see how your day went and genuinely cared. I will miss her kindness and compassion for others." - April 2020

All Senior Celebration Series pieces are available by clicking HERE.