NEW YORK, N.Y. - Look up a picture of "Hunter Hawks" in the dictionary and the name Deborah Ramirez would probably appear. Ramirez embodied the Hunter way, competing on FOUR different Hawk squads throughout her college career, including multiple seasons on the women's cross country team, the indoor track and field team, the outdoor track and field team and was also a member of the swim team in her senior year. Over that span, she was tabbed with numerous accolades, being named a CUNYAC All-Star in track and field as well as cross country and the Sportsmanship team in swimming. As we continue into Spring without sports in session, we were able to catch up with the 2017 graduate and tap into how Hunter Athletics helped shape his postcollegiate career. Check out some of his answers here:
What have you been up to post Hunter?
"I am a Research Data Associate at NYU School of Medicine"
You've been a part of so many teams throughout your time here. What was your favorite memory in a Hawks uniform?
"Although I ran Cross Country/Track & Field, the warmest memory I have was in my Hunter swim cap and goggles. It was my first (and last) homecoming as a swimmer, and the stands were packed. I came in last place for my race, but as I pushed up my goggles and looked up into the stands, I saw all the Hunter athletes cheering "MVP! MVP!" for me, and I nearly cried from the loving support and excitement they fueled me with."
Hawk pride is definitely something to be proud of! Now, what was your favorite memory of your time at Hunter College?
"My favorite all-time memories at Hunter have from late nights in the library with the track team on the 6th floor. We'd come together after practice in Central Park and sneak in cookies, a bunch of bananas from "the banana guy" outside, coffee and all kinds of fuel to get through our studying. We'd study hard, joke around, and laugh together until our stomachs hurt. Better days!"
Who was the staff member or coach who influenced you the most and how did they achieve that influence?
"It's hard to pick one person, but I can say I was influenced most by Stephanie Thorburn, Coach Sean Fortune, and Coach Daniel Selsky. As leaders and coaches, they always had their doors open for me as their athlete. In the most literal sense, their office door was always open for me to stop and say hello, or to vent, cry, or talk running fast. They created a safe space for me to grow, learn, and be the best Debbie I could be. They so generously took care of all their athletes. Stephanie, Coach Sean, and Coach Selsky are the warmest people who continue to create a safe space for me today and continue to teach me to value friendship!"
Has participation in sports at Hunter prepared you for your current life/career?
"Being an athlete at Hunter has taught me to be an effective communicator, a leader, and a life-long-learner. I took on different roles as an athlete and learned to function as a part of a team and as a leader in our athletics community. I work at a research lab with many different moving parts and team members. Our success depends largely on our ability to communicate effectively and adapt to changes--all things I learned as a Hawk!"
What made you decide on Hunter College as your place of secondary learning?
"Hunter was in the city, close to home, and affordable!"
Any advice to the Hawks that are on their way to graduation?
"Surely, your best days are ahead of you! But always remember where you started and remember those who helped you along the way."
