Santiago Ramirez '24 Recruiting Profile

Hello, my name is Santiago Ramirez. I am a passionate soccer player who aspires to make it big. Growing up in Mexico City, soccer was and is my favorite pastime, whether it was outside playing or watching games with my dad. I’ve always surrounded myself with the sport. I realised that soccer was what I wanted to do and decided to take the sport seriously. I enrolled in a youth academy when I was 10 and competed for several years. In grade 9, my coach helped me apply for a high school soccer scholarship with Tecnologico de Monterrey, one of the top schools in Mexico; however, my progress was put on hold because of COVID-19, which put everything on hold for 3 years. But that wouldn’t stop me from continuing to practice. In 2022, my efforts were recognized, and I was scouted and offered a contract by Valle de Xico FC, a Division 3 Mexican soccer team, which I happily signed. Though I was only 15, and my competition was 3 years older than me, I played well, and it was probably the most enjoyable season I’d ever played, because of the challenge of playing with older players. The following year, I left the league because I had some educational opportunities in Canada, and I now play in my local municipal league in Calgary, Canada. What I think separates me from other players is that on and off the pitch, I’m a supportive leader who helps his teammates give their all and isn’t afraid to take advices and apply them to improve himself and as a player. Academically, I’ve always valued my education and pursued international opportunities to improve it. Overcoming language barriers has been difficult, but I still always try to give my best in whatever I do. I look forward to my future and working with the team!