For Youth on Course alumni Pedro Ortiz, the path from a small town in California to working in global sports in New York City was built through opportunity, perseverance, and a willingness to chase something bigger.
Pedro was first introduced to golf in third grade during a summer program in his hometown of Salinas, CA. Coming from a Hispanic, first-generation household, golf wasn’t something that he grew up around.
“I didn’t grow up around [golf], but once I was introduced, it opened a door I didn’t even know existed.”
Beyond affordable access to play, Pedro experienced meaningful work experience as an intern at Poppy Hills Golf Course in 2014, and earned a distinguished college scholarship to California State University, Monterey Bay through Youth on Course. Opportunities and achievements that once seemed out of reach changed how Pedro saw what was possible.
With some work experience under his belt and college on the horizon, Pedro found himself looking at life through a new lens. At a local soccer match, he noticed something that he hadn’t before: beyond the players on the field, there were team staff members moving about the stadium, employees under the ropes wearing credentials, others working behind the scenes to operate the stadium and run the event.
“I remember thinking, ‘That’s so cool. How do I get there?”
From that moment on, he went all in on pursuing a career in soccer, taking internships, working game days, and doing everything he could to break into the industry.
“It’s not easy to get into sports,” he said. “But once you’re in, it’s about putting in the work and continuing to learn.”
Today, Pedro is the Manager of International Communications for Major League Soccer, helping connect the league with audiences around the world. From working with international media to supporting global tournaments, his role is all about expanding the game’s reach. And with soccer continuing to grow in the U.S., especially with global stars and the World Cup on the horizon, he’s right at the center of the action.
When asked to describe Youth on Course in one word, Pedro didn’t hesitate:
“Opportunity. It’s not just about paying $5 to play. It’s the opportunity to learn, to grow, and to feel like you belong, no matter your background. It gives people a chance. There are so many kids who just need that one opportunity.”
Pedro’s story is proof that access to opportunities through golf can shape the outcome of someone’s life.