Lancer of the issue highlights individuals who excel not just in talent, but also in character. We recognize senior biomedical science major and soccer captain Jayden Ramirez as the Lancer of the Issue. Although Ramirez prefers to avoid the spotlight, her dedication, leadership, and passion on and off the soccer field make her impossible to overlook.
As captain of the women’s soccer team, Ramirez leads by example with quiet strength and commitment. Head coach Kristen St. Clair describes her as the team’s driving force, calling her “the engine in the middle.”
“She is our captain, our leader, and she’s done a great job,” St. Clair said. “She reads the game well and is so versatile. She really helps pull the strings for us in the midfield.”
However, Ramirez’s leadership extends beyond soccer. Her character is rooted in a deep sense of purpose, humility, and faith. Ramirez credits her upbringing for shaping her as a leader.
“I don’t think anyone is necessarily born a leader,” Ramirez said. “Everyone has great influences in their life that encourage you to want to be a great leader. Growing up, I always felt like my dad and my mom were great leaders, not just in parenting, but in how they lived their lives and the impact they made in their occupations and communities.”
Her leadership on the field mirrors the guidance she has received from her coaches.
“Leadership from the coaches and seeing how they lead our team, especially Coach Tim [Strader]; he’s a Christ-like leader who puts the team first and works so hard to be a light for Christ. That’s something I want to emulate,” she said.
For Ramirez, leadership isn’t just about guiding her team through a game; it’s about supporting them spiritually and emotionally.
“There’s nothing better than looking to Jesus as an example of what it means to be a leader and love people well,” she said.
Ramirez’s goal is to use her platform in soccer to lead her teammates to Christ and create an environment of support and love.
Teammate and senior elementary education major Lauryn White, who has witnessed Ramirez’s leadership firsthand, highlights the spiritual impact she has on the team.
“Since Jayden is a Christian, her heart and priorities are rooted in Christ. The way she acts as a captain is so Christ-like. She keeps us disciplined and on the right path, reminding us of why we work hard—for each other and for Christ—and there is joy to be found in that,” White said.
Ramirez’s influence reaches far beyond the soccer field. Her humility, resilience, and faith have inspired teammates and coaches alike, and it’s clear that her leadership is not about recognition but about service and love. Jayden Ramirez embodies what it means to be a Lancer, both in her athletic performance and her heart for others.
