Carla Cortijo Sánchez was born on July 21, 1987 in Ponce, Puerto Rico. She spent her childhood in Carolina, Puerto Rico, where she discovered her love for sports at a young age. Growing up, she excelled in both basketball and fashion, showing early signs of her future success in both fields.
In 2005, Carla committed to play basketball for the University of Texas, where she honed her skills and developed into a talented player. After completing her college career, she made her professional debut in 2014 with the Gigantes de Carolina club. Carla quickly made a name for herself in the basketball world, showcasing her talent and determination on the court.
In 2011, Carla achieved a major milestone in her career when she won the gold medal at the Pan American Games in Guadalajara. This victory solidified her status as a top player in the sport, earning her the respect and admiration of fans and fellow athletes. She continued to represent Puerto Rico on the international stage, winning gold at the 2010 Central American and Caribbean Games in Mayaguez.
While still actively competing in basketball, Carla began her coaching career in 2017 as an assistant to the Puerto Rican national team. She brought her experience and knowledge of the game to the next generation of players, helping to mentor and guide them to success. Her passion for the sport shone through in her coaching, as she worked tirelessly to instill a winning mentality in her team.
Alongside her basketball career, Carla also pursued her love for fashion by founding Cortijos Designs. Through her brand, she creates unique and stylish clothing, including shirts, swimwear, and more. Her designs have caught the attention of fashion enthusiasts around the world, showcasing Carla's creativity and vision in the industry.
Carla showcased her competitive spirit on the Exalton reality series on the Telemundo network. Alongside fellow stars Diana Casillas and Anca Mihailescu, Carla demonstrated her mental and physical strength, captivating audiences with her determination and drive to succeed. Her appearance on the show further solidified her status as a multifaceted talent, capable of excelling in various fields.
Carla Cortijo Sánchez remains a proud Puerto Rican, representing her homeland with pride and passion in all of her endeavors. Her dedication to both basketball and fashion has made her a role model for aspiring athletes and designers alike. She continues to inspire others with her tenacity, hard work, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
With over 70,000 followers on Instagram, Carla uses her platform to share her journey and connect with fans from around the world. Her influence extends beyond the basketball court and fashion runway, making her a true icon in both spheres.