Texas Rio Grande Valley Athletics

Harlingen High School: Cortez was a three-time All-District 32-5A performer during his prep career at Harlingen High School... cited as the Utility Player of the Year during his senior season... honored as a first team All-Rio Grande Valley and second team All-Area selection in his final campaign at Harlingen High School... selected as the Newcomer of the Year for his prep squad during his sophomore season... garnered Offensive Most Valuable Player, Team Most Valuable Player and Big-Stick Award laurels... posted a .425 batting average during his final season... recorded a .375 and .325 batting average during his junior and sophomore seasons... graduated in the top 12 percent of his class as well as Tech Prep Honors... earned three letters while playing for Harlingen High School on the diamond... was a member of American Legion Post 205 where he finished with a .450 batting average with five home runs.

Off The Diamond: Cortez is the son of Julian and Nellie Cortez... born on June 23, 1985... has two brothers - Steven and Michael... majoring in special studies.