Bella Ortiz, 14, of Oviedo is about three weeks into her freshman year at Hagerty High School, after experiencing a summer to remember.

A pitcher who can throw 67 mph, she is a rising star on the softball diamond.

Her sport and her talent have taken her across oceans.

One of the best in her age group, Bella played for Team Puerto Rico this summer at the Softball World Cup in Italy. She helped lead her team to the silver medal.

“I can’t believe that I went to Italy, that I traveled across the country to play this game that I love,” Ortiz said.

Bella told News 6 she wants to play softball on the highest levels and make the Olympics someday. Along the way, she hopes to inspire.

Check out Nathaniel Rivas’ story.

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