The North Platte Community College Knights added Lou Ramirez to their 2015-2016 softball recruiting class. Ramirez is from Scottsbluff, Nebraska and played for the Scottsbluff High School Lady Bearcats. Ramirez said that her favorite position is the outfield but can play various other positions.
Scottsbluff High School softball coach Mike Gentry said about Ramirez, “Lou is just a really hard worker and she’s one of those kids that you can just pretty much put wherever on the field. If we had somebody that would go down she is very versatile, we could plug her in at any different positions.”
Knights softball coach Janelle Higgins said, “We are looking for someone to come in and help us in the outfield, but also be that utility player. At the college level, you are never just an outfielder or infielder.”
Ramirez batted in the lead off position for the Lady Bearcats. Coach Gentry added about Ramirez, “She is just a very dynamic player and really took hold of the leadoff spot for us this past year. She really made us click. She is a great player and really glad she has this opportunity. Her hard work and dedication sets her apart.”
Ramirez said that she was planning on just staying in Scottsbluff and going to school and not playing softball but when the opportunity came up she took it. “It’s pretty exciting that I get to go play softball. I really wasn’t expecting to, but Coach Higgins got a hold of Coach Gentry and asked about us. I went to a camp and really liked it. I really loved the campus, so it’s pretty exciting” Ramirez said. “It’s really exciting, softball is the only sport I play that I’m good at so to further it makes me happy.”
Ramirez plans to major in Early Childhood Development while attending North Platte Community College.
Ramirez took part in the Mid-Winter Softball Clinic that was held January 17 at the North Campus Hitting Facility at North Platte Community College. Coach Higgins said, “She came to camp not knowing what she was coming into. We had a little talk before letting them know what they are getting into; what college softball life is like. She really meshed with the freshmen who will be returning and with recruits who were also there.” Higgins added, “Seeing how hard she worked in camp, she stood out and proved that she is there to play.”
Ramirez in her senior year with the Bearcats appeared in 28 games and batted .410 with six doubles and four triples. She also scored 26 runs and knocked in 15 runners. Ramirez had a .471 on base percentage and a .569 slugging percentage. She also stole 18 bases.
Ramirez also played in the summer for the Twisters, a travelling team who went 81-9-1 in 2013 and won the Nebraska 16 and under state tournament. She plans to play for 23 club this summer to prepare for college.
Higgins said “I really think she will be able to step in and help us out. We look for those kids that want to work hard and play softball.”
Ramirez is the fourth recruit for the Knights softball program for 2015-2016. The others include: Shelby Belloni, of Lakewood, Colorado; Sami Gill, of Gilcrest, Colorado; and Antonia Villani, of Frederick, Colorado.
