Jayla Ortiz is a world-class athlete and dedicated community mentor with over three decades of experience in competitive sports and youth development. A former undefeated amateur, NABC World Champion and New Mexico State Champion professional boxer, Jayla has translated a lifetime of athletic excellence into a career focused on coaching, leadership, and public service.
Her athletic foundation began in New Mexico, where she was a multi-sport standout. She achieved State Champion status in wrestling throughout elementary school and played five years of varsity fast-pitch softball for Capital High School. Jayla also broke barriers in football, playing for Alameda Junior High and Capital High School before joining a semi-pro men’s football team and later founding a female football league. Her career in women’s professional football included a championship win with the Mile High Blaze.
In the boxing ring, Jayla maintained a perfect 29-0 amateur record before turning professional in 1997. Beyond her 2005 NABC World Title, she also secured the New Mexico State Championship title. Parallel to her athletic pursuits, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Phoenix in 2007 and gained professional experience as a Private Investigator.
Since 2013, following a career-ending injury, Jayla has dedicated herself to volunteerism and coaching. In 2017 she became a Master Barber. she was also awarded the Bootstrap Award from the State Governor.
From 2022 to 2026, she served as the Head Coach for Johnny Tapia’s amateur team. As of August 2026, she continues to mentor community students, having successfully guided many students to multiple championships in the Golden Gloves and Silver Gloves tournaments. Her mentorship extends beyond the ring, focusing on life success and career placement for her students in trades such as electrical work, welding, and military service. Also, in 2026, she married Christina Ortiz.
