Michael Ramos has had an unusual route to success, but looks to have finally found it with Whitworth University this season. His journey has taken him from a Spokane area high school star to several different colleges, before traveling north of the Arctic Circle in pursuit of a career in soccer. Finally, it has brought him back to Spokane, where he has been a vital part of the Pirates incredible start to the season. With the Pirates currently undefeated with a record of 8-0-1, Ramos seems to have finally found a collegiate environment in which he is able to excel.
To say that Ramos has taken “the road less traveled” is an understatement. Ramos graduated in 2009 from University High School in Spokane Valley, where he was a four-year letterman in soccer. After earning first team All-league honors in junior and senior seasons, Ramos attended Walla Walla Community College, where he played for two seasons. In 2010, he led the league in assists and finished second in goals scored. He led Walla Walla to the NWAACC Finals and made the All-Star team in 2009 and 2010. His journey was just beginning.
Following the 2010 season, Ramos transferred to Seattle University. Despite playing in all 17 matches for the team and starting 15, Ramos couldn’t find his form and finished with only two goals and 5 assists. It wasn’t for lack of effort either, because Ramos amassed an incredible 61 shots with 24 finding their target.
After the season, he decided that he would seek a career in football abroad, making the decision to play in the semi-professional leagues of Iceland and Sweden. However, his fortunes did not take a turn for the better. The prospect of working a part-time job in addition to the burdens of training and first team football were too much.
Ramos returned to the Spokane area and was linked up with Spokane Shadow of the Evergreen Premier League (EPLWA). After his lengthy journey, returning home 
seemed to spark the genius within Ramos. He led the team in scoring with 11 goals, good enough for second overall in the EPLWA. The Shadow managed to capture the EPLWA title on the final day of the season with a 3-0 win over Wenatchee United. Ramos scored the third goal of the match. After the season, he made the decision to enroll at nearby Whitworth University in order to continue his collegiate soccer career and finish his degree in sociology.
In his final year of collegiate eligibility, Ramos has been absolutely spectacular. He has contributed to the Pirates with a goal or assist in every game so far this season. Ramos netted goals against Millikin and St. Thomas, he currently leads the team with 17 points in only seven matches. Ramos’ journey has taken him around the world, but his return home has finally allowed him to find success with Whitworth. Ramos aspires to play professionally after the season, and with the performances that he has turned in so far, that is looking more and more like a possibility.
[divider]
Discussion about this post