For this week’s CAA coach spotlight we are proud to present coach Daniel Ramirez. Coach Ramirez is the football coach at Heritage Academy Maricopa and has been coaching for nine years. Let’s see what Coach has to say about how the Heroes are playing this season.
A look at the season so far
Given the adversity of starting a program from scratch and circumstances of Covid-19, Coach said it’s been a challenging season for both the players and himself. “We have approached this season one day at a time because we know that any given day the opportunity to play football yet alone practice can be taken away from us all. It’s the fact of that reality that has really propelled the football program”, he continued. “The team is grateful for every opportunity to strap that helmet up and it shows every single practice we have. The season has gone well for us and I am thankful for every day that we get to continue that”.
A few athletes to shoutout
Andrew Endsminger – A captain of the football program and is the standard of what it means to play at Heritage. He excels in the classroom with a 3.958 GPA and Leads Heritage on the defensive side of the ball.
Darius Brown – A captain of the football program and is one of the most dynamic athletes Coach Ramirez has coached. He is a true competitor and Leads Heritage on the offensive side of the ball, while also succeeding in school with a 3.452 GPA.
Martrion Risper – An ‘explosive takes it to the house at any moment’ type of player. He is a two way star for the Heritage Academy team as a slot receiver with 7 touchdowns and at Safety with 2 interception touchdowns. Martrion has a 3.763 GPA.
Russel Evans – A newcomer to football. Coach says, “I have been so proud of this young man watching him develop. He is the definition of hustle. As an offensive lineman Russel will be seen running down the field with the ball carriers on every play. This is a reason I love coaching and football so much, getting the opportunity to watch a young man strive to get better every opportunity”. Russel has a 3.542 GPA.
How being part of CAA has impacted these students
Being in our first year with the CAA it had a great impact on our students because it provided us an opportunity to play when there was so much uncertainty. We appreciate the CAA in allowing football to continue to play with so much uncertainty during these times.
When asked what encouraging advice he would share with all of his players, he answered “Honor, Effort, Respect, Ownership, Energy, Sacrifice”. It’s what it means to be Heritage HEROES.
Thank you for all your hard work, Coach! We look forward to seeing your team succeed this season. Click here to check out the latest standings.