No one dominates the field like senior Gabriella Ramirez. Ramirez has played four seasons of varsity soccer for the Owls. In addition to soccer, she also stars on the varsity flag football team and plays soccer for a league outside of school. No matter the team, she consistently proves to be a difference-maker on the turf.
Ramirez shared some of the things she is looking forward to in her final season, starting with the responsibility of being one of the older players. “It’s kind of a mentor situation. When I was first on this team, I was the little freshman looking up to the seniors, and now I have these [younger players] looking up to not just me, but all of us,” she said.
One player she is especially happy to work with is her sister Olivia, a sophomore. “[Olivia] is also on varsity this year, and this is the first year I’ve gotten to play with her in high school. It has been a lot of fun.” In turn, Olivia is excited to learn more from her older sister. “Gaby has taught me what it’s like to stay confident in my soccer abilities and how to always work hard,” Olivia shared. Gaby’s mentorship, however, extends far beyond the lines of the pitch. Olivia added, “Gaby has taught me skills that don’t just apply to soccer; I’ll be able to apply them to all aspects of my life.” Olivia said playing with her sister “has been the best soccer experience.”
Throughout Ramirez’s four-year journey, Marion Street physical education teacher and varsity coach Jenna Crimmins has witnessed her remarkable growth. “Gaby’s confidence has grown as a player in the time I’ve coached her. When I give her something to improve upon, she works at it,” Crimmins remarked. She then recalled how, after just two games as a freshman, Ramirez was bumped up from JV to varsity. “She strengthens the team with her work ethic and desire, and she is also tough as nails and will run through a wall to get a ball,” she continued.
Senior and teammate Jacqueline Thayer, who played alongside Ramirez for three years, praised her contributions to the team. “It’s been great playing with Gaby. Her skills are truly shown on the pitch when she’s able to beat any defender and perfectly pass the ball or shoot. We’re always able to find each other and pass back and forth until one of us scores,” Thayer explained. Thayer especially cherishes the memories of starting out with Ramirez on JV. “After this year, I am going to miss being her teammate and having the privilege of playing with such a skilled player and such a kind person.,” added Thayer.
Ramirez’s success is the result of hard work both on and off the field. “I have an indoor soccer ball I play with at home, and I always go out with my sister, whether that be for practicing [soccer] or running,” she elaborated. Ramirez adds that she devotes large amounts of time to “watching film to mentally prepare” for games.
In addition to her athletic achievements, Ramirez is a high-achieving student who takes many of the most rigorous courses offered at LHS, including Science Research. She shared, “[Science Research] has really helped me with public speaking, and it’s what I want to do; it’s a passion of mine.” Ramirez is also involved in extracurricular activities such as Varsity Club and the Women in STEM Club. Looking ahead, Ramirez envisions soccer remaining a significant part of her life as she pursues higher education.
