Page 26 - Priorities #15 2001-July

Alumni Profile
education, then going on to pro ball if possible, or something else if not, was always his goal, he said. When he entered Berkeley he promised his parents that before he signed any professional contract, he would hand them his diploma from the University.
“I told my teammates at Cal (each time) before we started a soccer match that when we step off the field, whether it be a win or a lose, there should be no regrets in the way each individual played. If we trained hard enough and were mentally prepared, then we did not have to worry about performing during a game. If we came off the field saying the could haves and should haves, then we lost part of the game ourselves.
“Now, he said, there is no regret on my part that I attended a high school with a soccer program that was not strong at that time. If we look at the program now, we see the change. There is no regret on my part for not signing a pro contract. Now, that I have achieved my goal, I am able to fulfill my dream of playing professional soccer.”
Editor’s note: Ramiro was the featured speaker at the Priory’s high school sports awards night. Coach Joe Montero announced that Ramiro’s jersey number is officially retired—only the second time in the history of the school an athlete has been honored in this way. The first was basketball player Miki Oyler, who graduated in 1995.
As a soccer player, leader and scholar, Ramiro Arredondo is a hard act to follow. Consider this:
While at Priory from 1993 to 1997, Ramiro was listed as USA Today’s top 25 recruits, was a member of the US Under-18 National Team, and finished his high school career with over 90 goals.
He entered UC Berkeley on a sports scholarship. As a freshman he played in 17 out of 18 games and won the Rolling Thunder Scholarship. In his sophomore year he was the only Bear to start every game. He finished fourth on the team with eight points. He traveled through Europe with a college all-star team and participated in the US National team camp. In his Junior year he earned second team ALL- MPSF recognition.
This year, he graduates from Cal with a degree in American Studies with an emphasis on architecture and three-dimensional computer modeling.
Ramiro was team captain in his senior year, ending his career with 72 games played, 57 games started, 90 shots on goal, 14 goals, 11 assists and 39 points—and for those who aren’t up on college soccer statistics, these are very good. His coach said he could not have asked for a better captain and leader for the young Cal team.
Ramiro’s dream is and was to play top-level soccer. But he’s a scholar as well. He chose Priory for its academic opportunities and he chose UC Berkeley for its outstanding academic reputation, he said.
Similarly, a senior-year draft for pro ball was not a top priority, either—although players at the US National team were often reminded that all they had to do was ask. Focusing on and finishing the
Ramiro’s dream is and was to play top-level soccer. But he’s a scholar as well.
26