Standing on the sidelines, eyes locked on the players, Coach Mario Ramirez brings more than just a strategic mind to the field — he brings a deep passion for soccer. As the boys soccer coach, his approach transcends the game itself, shaping his athletes not just into skilled players but into well–rounded individuals with lessons that last far beyond the pitch.
After working alongside various head soccer coaches through the years, Ramirez became the head coach of the boy’s soccer team for the 2024–2025 school year.
“I guess it came naturally,” Ramirez said. “I received an invitation to help out while in college, then I started to get coaching education and licenses.”
His love for the sport started young, and he eventually played soccer at the collegiate level before taking his talents to the professional leagues in Mexico. In college, he got a glimpse of what it was like to coach a team, an opportunity that led him to pursue coaching education. Ramirez’s role as a coach goes far beyond just calling plays and teaching technical skills.
“I aim to provide a learning and competitive environment where student–athletes develop as individuals and as soccer players,” Ramirez said. “Building rapport with each of them and creating a positive soccer experience is key, and the most important thing I do is use the sport to provide learning experiences for life after soccer.”
Ramirez said that for him, it’s not just about winning games — it’s about making sure the players have a fulfilling and positive experience that will stay with them for a lifetime.
“My first experience as a coach was almost 20 years ago.” Ramirez said. “There was so much learning back then, and staying in touch with most of those players is incredibly fulfilling.”
Looking back at his career, Ramirez sees growth not only in his players but also in himself. Ramirez said his coaching philosophy is grounded in the idea that sports can teach valuable life lessons, such as teamwork, discipline, perseverance and the importance of staying positive even during tough times.
“Growth has been a constant theme in my career,” Ramirez said. “I created a coach development plan early on. It helps me track my goals, the steps to achieve them, and indicators of success, and I never go a year without taking a coaching education course.”
For Ramirez, being a coach means being a lifelong learner, always striving to improve his skills and knowledge in order to provide the best possible guidance for his players.
“Coaching the boys soccer team has been more than just a job,” Ramirez said. “It has been a great experience. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with each one of them.”
When he’s not on the soccer field, Ramirez finds balance and joy in spending time with his family, and teaching his students like senior Teagan Steuer.
“He’s been here all four years that I have been here, and he was also my Spanish II teacher,” Steuer said. “He’s been getting the team prepared for the season and overall he’s been a great coach.”
With a coaching philosophy deeply rooted in personal development, continuous learning and a focus on positive experiences, Ramirez said he is not just shaping talented soccer players — he is helping to shape future leaders. As he continues to guide his players through the highs and lows of their athletic careers, Ramirez remains committed to one thing above all else: using the game of soccer to teach life lessons that will help his players succeed in everything they do.
Freshman Jaxon Hansen describes his experience with Coach Ramirez.
“Working with Coach Ramirez has been very helpful,” Hansen said. “He’s pushed me to work harder with kids up to four years older than me and just overall been a good coach. I also appreciate the confidence that he has for me on the field. I really enjoy working with coach Ramirez.”
