(Story Courtesy of University of St. Thomas Sports Information Department)
HOUSTON, Texas -- The University of St. Thomas is excited to announce Ernesto Ramirez as the newest Head Coach for the Men's Soccer program. After an extensive nationwide search, Coach Ramirez emerged as a high-quality candidate who brings a wealth of Professional and NCAA Coaching experience to lead the reigning SCAC Champions.
"I'd like to thank Athletic Director, Todd Smith and the hiring committee for the opportunity to take on the role as the head men's soccer coach at the University of St. Thomas," Ramirez said. "It is with great pleasure and responsibility to accept this role and continue building success not only on the field, but in the community, on campus, and more importantly in the classroom."
Ramirez's Way
Coach Ramirez is a seasoned soccer strategist passionate about cultivating talent and driving teams to success. Before accepting the role at St. Thomas, he served as the Head Soccer Coach at Los Angeles Surf SC. He was instrumental in elevating the club's stature within the competitive landscape of MLS NEXT and Elite Academy. Since joining in February 2021, Coach Ramirez has recruited top-tier athletes and designed key training sessions that secured the club a spot as EA National Semifinalists in 2022.
In addition to his position at Los Angeles Surf SC, Coach Ramirez serves as an Assistant Soccer Coach at the prestigious Occidental College, where he made a big impact on the Tigers. Collaborating with Head Coach Rod Lafaurie, he has played an integral role in fortifying the team's defensive prowess and achieving remarkable milestones. Notably, in 2022, Coach Ramirez contributed to the team's impressive journey to the SCIAC final, setting the stage for even greater triumphs in the following year.
In 2023, the team's collective efforts culminated in a historic double triumph, as Occidental clinched both the regular-season championship and the conference title for the first time. This remarkable achievement came with accolades, including the prestigious Region X and SCIAC Men's Soccer Staff of the Year awards, As the Tigers stormed into the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament defeating St. Thomas, and Trinity in the opening rounds. Throughout the triumphant 2023 season, Coach Ramirez's match strategy ensured that Occidental boasted the stingiest defense in the SCIAC, conceding the fewest goals in both conference and postseason play.
Before his current engagements, Coach Ramirez graduated from the West Virginia Institute of Technology with a degree in sports management. Knowing he wanted to be a coach, Ramirez honed his leadership skills and coaching abilities with an A- Pro License from the Mexican Football Federation and his first Head Coach role at Salem International University from 2011-2014, an NCAA DII school in West Virginia. It is these experiences that have prepared Coach Ramirez to lead the St.Thomas Celts now and into the future.
"We are very excited to welcome Coach Ramirez to the Celt Family! He brings a wealth of soccer and NCAA D3 experience and success," Athletic Director Todd Smith said. "We have a terrific group of talented student-athletes in the program. After an extensive search, we are confident Coach Ramirez is the right man and coach to lead UST Men's Soccer!"
About Celt Men's Soccer
Men's Soccer has established itself as a force in the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference by winning three straight conference titles. The team has also reached the NCAA National Tournament in two straight seasons and at least 12 wins in the last three seasons. With Coach Ramirez leading the Celts, the program will look to continue that success by bringing in well-rounded and competitive student-athletes to compete and represent the University of St. Thomas.
"I've had the privilege to scout this team a few months ago and I strongly believe in the individual talent this program possesses," Ramirez added. "My family and I are excited and looking forward to a new chapter in my career at the University of St. Thomas. I want to also thank Coach Rod Lafaurie for his mentorship in the past years."
