From Youth Academy to the Big Stage: Alexia Ortiz Returns

The 2026 roster continues to grow with homegrown talent as we officially welcome back Alexia Ortiz to the United midfield.

DeKalb native and DHS standout Alexia Ortiz returns to DeKalb County United for the 2026 season.

Known to many as "Lex," she is a true product of the DeKalb soccer community and a standout at DeKalb High School. For Lex, putting on the green and yellow jersey is a homecoming in the truest sense.

"DKCU has been part of my soccer journey since I was 8 years old," Alexia shared. "It’s more than just a club to me; it’s where I grew, made lifelong friends, and built unforgettable memories."

That lifelong commitment has already paid off in massive ways—Alexia pointed to winning a State championship with the club as the moment in her journey she will never forget.

"My father has had the biggest influence on me as a player," she said. "He introduced me to soccer when I was four years old and bought me my first ball."

When she isn't on the field, she’s likely still thinking about it—Lex admits that if you followed her for a day, you’d be surprised by just how much soccer is on her mind. Even her "perfect" summer evening feels incomplete without the game! Currently, she is focusing on mastering the art of discipline and time management, balancing her DHS academic workload with her training schedule to ensure she gives her best effort in both worlds.

Fans at the NIU Soccer Stadium can expect to see a player who leaves it all on the pitch. Lex is ready to work hard, learn from every play, and fuel her performance with plenty of tacos.

Welcome home, Lex!