HS: Ian attended Lake View High School in San Angelo, Texas. Cortez was an All-District selection honorable mention at running back. He was apart of the 2023 Standard-Times All-West Texas Football Team as well as the 2024 Fellowship of Christian Athletes All-Star Football Team. Cortez earned The Hollands Award for Football Excellence. His team reached the State Playoffs his freshman year. Cortez was a 4 year regional qualifier and 3 year state qualifier in Power lifting. He also competed in baseball and track. Cortez was involved in the National Honor Society, San Angelo Lake View Ambassadors, Church Youth Group, and UIL academics. He earned the Class of 2024 Salutatorian. He earned the 2023 College Board National Hispanic Recognition Award. He earned the THSCA Academic All-State selections in football, baseball, and track.
Cortez was a two-time SAISD Concho Sports Network Student-Athlete of the Week.  

Personal: Ian is the son of Tony and Amy Cortez and he has one sibling. He is pursuing a degree in Biomedical Science.