About Us
Coach Elizabeth Ortega - Owner & Head Coach
Coach Ortega is the Owner and Head Coach of Hammer Forged Athletics and Training Center, bringing over 17 years of experience training and coaching athletes of all levels. Throughout her career, she has successfully coached hundreds of individuals, helping them build strength, confidence, and performance across multiple disciplines.
Coach Ortega competed at a collegiate level at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) as a thrower on the Track and Field team. During her collegiate career, she qualified three consecutive years for the NCAA Division I National Preliminaries in the women’s hammer throw. Her competitive background provides a strong technical foundation that directly informs her coaching approach.
Coach Ortega specializes in track and field throwing events, powerlifting, strength training, and general physical training, applying evidence-based methods to develop strength, technique, and durable athletic performance.
Coach Ortega resides in Raton, NM with her husband Eric "Chili" Ortega, their children, and grandchildren.
Coach Eric "Chili" Ortega
Coach Ortega has over 35+ years experience in softball and baseball. With his knowledge and background, he is able to specialize coaching all positions in baseball and softball. While attending Highlands University in New Mexico, Coach pitched at the DII collegiate level. In 2018, Coach was the caption and team manager of the SoCo Bombers (coed) who placed 3rd at the National level at the Slowpitch Softball Worlds in Las Vegas, Nevada. In 2018, He was a Colorado State Champion in slow pitch softball.
Along with his knowledge of baseball and softball, coach has 30+ years of playing golf. Coach was mentored by former PGA professional golfer, the late Gene Torres, at Highlands University. Coach is able to pass on the fundamentals to beginner golfers or anyone who is wanting to improve their golf game.