Photo provided by NDSU Athletics
Accolades
2025 All-Summit League Honorable Mention
2025 Stats
Games Played – 50
Games Started – 50
AVG – .286
Runs – 24
2B – 3
3B – 2
RBI – 7
SB – 11
Q&A with Star Cortez
We sat down with Star Cortez ahead of the 2026 season.
Q: What was it like growing up in California?
A: I grew up in a family with seven siblings, so I was always surrounded by people. I’ve been in sports since I was five, so I was always in that world. It was awesome. We’d go down to the beach and play every weekend.
Q: Was softball always your main focus?
A: I went back and forth between soccer and softball. I also did folklórico, which is a form of Mexican dancing with the big dresses. By the time I was 11 or 12, I was fully focused on softball.
Q: Was folklórico competitive?
A: It can be. I did it for about four years in elementary school. It’s more competitive in Mexico than here.
What was it like growing up with seven siblings?
A: I’m the youngest. It was great. I always had someone to mess around with. I was never alone. I loved having older sisters and brothers. They taught me everything I know. Because of them, I am who I am.
Q: Were they athletes too?
A: Yes. They all played sports in high school. None played collegiately except one sister who played JUCO softball. But they were all involved in sports.
Q: Were your parents big sports people?
A: My mom didn’t really play sports growing up, but she got into it because of my dad. My dad did everything—track, football—you name it.
Q: Why did you choose NDSU? That’s a big move from California.
A: It is. When they recruited me and I came out here, I just kept an open mind. You hear people talk about Bison Pride, and it really showed on my visit. I fell in love with the coaches, the facilities, and the team. The culture and community are awesome.
Q: What did you do on your softball visit?
A: I toured the locker room and the field, went downtown in Fargo, and went to Darren’s favorite spots to eat. They fed me well. We also went to a football game, which was amazing. My dad loved it.
Q: Do you still go to other athletic events?
A: Yes. I’ve been to every football game, plus soccer and basketball games. It’s fun seeing people at the SHAC.
Q: Was the transition from California difficult?
A: It was hard leaving my family. But the girls in my class became my best friends immediately, so that helped. Everything was different, but having them made it easier.
Q: What clicked for you last year that led to more success?
A: My teammates. From day one of sophomore year, they instilled so much confidence in me. When the season came around, I felt like I could just play freely. I knew I could do the job. I also relied a lot on God, which helped relieve pressure.
Q: Do you prefer hitting leadoff?
A: It doesn’t matter to me. I’ll hit wherever they need me.
Q: What’s the mindset of a leadoff hitter?
A: It’s about letting your team see as many pitches as possible or getting on base to start the game strong. You’re setting the tone. There’s pressure in that, but it can be a good thing.
Q: Do you feel more prepared for it this year?
A: Yes. I learned from last year’s successes and mistakes. I know what I’m capable of now. I can focus on what I do well and learn from what I struggled with.
Q: What have you learned about yourself as a player?
A: I’ve learned how to execute and do whatever it takes—whether that’s playing small ball, beating out a bunt, or creating chaos on the bases. I’ve learned how to play my game.
Q: What was it like playing for Team Mexico?
A: It was awesome. We played in Colorado. The best part was seeing how proud my family was. My grandparents were so excited to see me in a Mexico jersey. Being on a team where everyone spoke Spanish and shared that background was special. It was a different experience in a world I’m very comfortable in.
Q: What do you want your junior season to look like?
A: I want to build off last year and do whatever I can to help the team get where we need to go. I want my success to benefit the team.
Q: Do you know what you want to do after graduation?
A: I’m not exactly sure, but I want to get into real estate— maybe being a broker or working in mortgages. I want to be my own boss someday. I’m majoring in business with a minor in real estate.
Q: Have you had internships in that field?
A: Not yet. Summer is usually softball. But my dad works in real estate, so I grew up going to open houses and being around that world.
Q: What do you like about it?
A: I like setting my own schedule, what you wear to the office, talking to people, showing houses. Properties are just interesting to me.
Q: Anything else you want our readers to know?
A: I’m really excited for this season. We’ve done a lot of building, and I feel like we’re prepared. The attitude is there. We’re ready to compete and get after it. I’m excited.