Jamie Ortega described the entire process as confusing and overwhelming. Sprinkle some excitement in, too.

New legislation opened the door for NCAA student-athletes across the country to profit off their name, image and likeness, and Ortega was not going to miss her chance.

Ortega, a four-time All-American who is already the North Carolina’s career leader in goals with 265, is making history as Epoch’s first female athlete.

Other Epoch athletes include Jarrod Neumann, Matt Rambo, Jules Heningburg and other Premier Lacrosse League stars.

“I loved how authentic they were with the brand,” Ortega said about Epoch, which also sponsors North Carolina athletics. “A message that I love that we’re both working on together is empowering the next generation of lacrosse players and young women in general.”

The Purpose 15 and Dragonfly Elite are a few of Ortega’s favorite Epoch products, and the 2021 Tewaaraton Award finalist has plans to create a few of her own favorites, too.

“They want me to develop my own brand,” Ortega said. “It’s awesome having a company that supports you so much. They’re growing, too, on the women’s side. We’re growing together.”

This Jamie Ortega goal gave Carolina the lead earlier in the first half!

Tune in to the game on ACCN (https://t.co/CAXMNlulzx) pic.twitter.com/aL2xf8j5vQ

— UNC Women's Lacrosse (@uncwlax) May 2, 2021

As an Epoch athlete, Ortega will be going to conventions and hosting clinics. She might even have her own apparel line. She’s already had conversations with some of the designers and has plans to go to Epoch’s headquarters in Minnesota.

It adds a fair bit of obligations to her calendar, but capitalizing on NIL legislation is worth it.

“It took a long time for this to happen, but I’m happy it happened now,” Ortega said. “Athletes work so hard. It’s like a job. It’s so deserving that now we can profit from it.”

Jamie Ortega with the finish @uncwlax pic.twitter.com/ZF2m1TVOek

— ACC Network (@accnetwork) April 3, 2021

Ortega, one of the top seniors in the nation, is motivated entering the spring season. After the Tar Heels’ title hopes were dashed in the NCAA semifinals by eventual champion Boston College, Ortega and her teammates reflected and recharged. Even without all-time program points leader Katie Hoeg, who graduated in May, Ortega and UNC remain confident.

“Yes, I miss playing with Katie Hoeg every single day, but she was a great role model,” Ortega said. “Now it’s my time to shine.”