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SAN ANTONIO – With the 2018 UTSA volleyball season is well underway, it is time to get to know our 2018 student-athletes!
Today, learn all about junior Emily Ramirez, a product of San Antonio! Ramirez has been a fixture in the UTSA lineup over her career, playing in 220 sets and 58 matches. Ramirez, who attended Antonian Preparatory, has averaged 2.81 digs per set over her career, including a career-best 3.59 digs per set in 2017.
At what age did you begin playing volleyball?
ER: I began playing volleyball when I was about 5 or 6 years old.
Why did you start playing volleyball?
ER: I have two older sisters that played volleyball and because of that my mom forced me to play. She told me I cried everyday.
What is your earliest memory of volleyball?
ER: My earliest memory would probably be playing in my CYO team and being city champs!
Who is your inspiration in volleyball and why?
ER: My inspiration is my older sister Feliz. She was the first of my family to play D1 in college and is now doing big things and living her dream of being an actress.
Who is a current/former collegiate or professional volleyball athlete whom you admire and why?
ER: When I was about 14 I had the opportunity to meet Stacy Sykora, who's a former U.S. National Volleyball player. She's faced so many obstacles and has an incredible story if you've never heard it.
What family members have made the biggest impact on your life and why?
ER: I'm one of eight siblings. I have two older brothers (Rafael and Gabriel), two older sisters (Feliz and Celeste), two younger brothers (Miguel and Uriel), and one younger sister (Santa). My parents are Anna Marie and Jesus Ramirez. My parents have impacted me the most in my life. With a family as big as mine, it's hard to keep up with everything. They have taught me so much and have supported me and all my siblings in everything we do.
Do you have any family members who played collegiate sports? What sport and where did they play?
ER: My older sister, Celeste, played volleyball at University of New Orleans in Louisiana.
My oldest sister, Feliz, played volleyball at St. Francis college in New York.
What are the strengths of your volleyball game? What are the areas you are currently trying to work on the most?
ER: One of my strengths are I have a very calm demeanor on the court and relax my teammates when things feel chaotic. I'm trying to better all aspects of my game, but the areas I'm focusing on is my eye work and defensive moves.
Why did you decide to attend the UTSA?
ER: I've lived in San Antonio all my life and came to a few summer camps at UTSA. They were interested in me, and here I am now.
What are your individual and team goals at UTSA?
ER: An individual goal I have is to come out a different person than I came in. Whether it be a higher IQ of the game or friendships that will last me a lifetime. My team goal is to win a conference championship!!
What is your academic major and why did you select that major?
ER: My major is Multidisciplinary Studies and my three focuses are Psychology, Sociology and Criminal Justice. I chose this because I want to work with kids someday and with this major I will have a wide range of options.
What are your career goals (after volleyball) and why do you have an interest in pursuing that particular career?
ER: Living in a large household with many kids running around I've learned I love helping and giving them attention. One day I want to work with kids.
Have there been any big obstacles that you have had to overcome in your life? How did you overcome them and how did that experience help shape you?
ER: Up until a week ago I have never had a prominent life obstacle that I've had to overcome. My father unexpectedly passed away recently and it really took a toll on my family and our community. It's an obstacle that I'm currently going through, but I know I'll be able to overcome it with love and support from my UTSA family and friends.
What do you enjoy doing outside of volleyball and school?
ER: I love to be outdoors and active. I love going on adventures and trying new foods!
Do you have any pets? What are their names and what role do they play in your life?
ER: Yes, I have a cat and his name is Simon. He's two years old and even though everyone calls him ugly and says he has a big head, he's the cutest little guy and I love him so much.
What is something most people might not know about you?
ER: Some people don't know that I'm left handed and that I only have one dimple on the left side of my face.
What would you most like to be known for as a UTSA volleyball player?
ER: I would like to be known for being a good teammate and friend. Not only on the court by giving feedback, but off the court by creating strong friendships.
What advice would you give to a young girl who would like to one day be in your shoes?
ER: I would say always push yourself even when you have doubts. You will have many obstacles that come your way, but if you continue to push past them you will become stronger. Not only in your sport but also in life.
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