The Georgia Call-Up: Appling County's Alan Ramirez

“Alan is a standout student-athlete who excels both on and off the field. He has a relentless work ethic and a dedication to improving his technique, approaching every practice and game as a true student of his craft—whether that craft is soccer or splitting the uprights on a Friday night.” — Coach Jake Norris

Appling County senior Alan Ramirez is a dynamic CAM/Striker and has racked up more than 100 career goals, establishing himself as both a playmaker and a finisher. His impact isn’t limited to the pitch — he’s also a key contributor as the kicker for the Appling County football team.

Named last week’s SDH Network Georgia Call-Up, Ramirez represents the kind of all-around student-athlete the honor is meant to spotlight. We caught up with Alan and head coach Jake Norris to learn more about the player behind the numbers — and the person behind the player.

Alan Ramirez Q&A:

Q: Who is a player you model your game after and why? 

A:  I model my game after Pedri the way he keeps composed and can dictate a game.

Q: Who inspires you the most and why?

A: My dad inspires me the most his work ethic and postivive view on everything.

Q: What’s one thing people don’t realize about your sport?

A: How mentally exhausting it trully is and physically demanding it is.

Q: Earliest soccer memory? 

Playing in the backyard with my dad every day.

Q: How would your teammates describe you?

A: My teammates would describe me as hard working and a leader.

Q: How has been balancing being a student athlete?

A: It is all about time management, so it’s been easy.

Q: Favorite memory with your teammates? 

A: My favorite memory with my teammates is definitely scoring 5 goals on our rivals at their home.

Q: Where do you see yourself in five years?

A: Hopefully playing college ball or if not playing pro either in the U.S. or out the country.

Appling County HS Boy's Soccer Head Coach Jake Norris Q&A: 

Q: How would you describe Alan in one word?

A: Disciplined

Q: What has it been like to watch him develop as a player and a person during your time?

A: I’ve coached Alan as a player since he was in middle school. He was a good player in middle school and has just improved over his high school years, focusing on the small things.

Q: How would you describe Alan as a player?

A: Disciplined and Tactical, he waits for the correct opportunity and then attacks it.

Q: What does their work ethic look like when no one’s watching?

A: Outside of class and work Alan is always thinking about soccer. Last to leave training and most likely to ask me to extend a session.

Q: What makes them unique beyond the stats?

A: Alan is a leader on and off the field. It is like having another assistant coach out on the field during the match. He also sets the standard on grades and attendance in the classrooms.

Q: What do people outside the program maybe not see about Alan?

A: Alan comes from a great family with a great work ethic. A huge extended family of Aunts, Uncles and cousins. Alan plays with four of his first cousins on the team which no doubt helps create a tight knit family like culture on the team.

The Appling County Pirates are back in action on Wednesday March, 18 as they face Tattnall County at 7:00 p.m. They are 8-1 overall and 2-1 in their region in 2A.

The Georgia Call-Up, in partnership with the Georgia Student Finance Authority, is our statewide initiative spotlighting high school players that college coaches should know. If there’s a student-athlete who deserves to be seen, we want to hear about them.

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