Second annual Mia Hamm Foundation Night will be held in conjunction with the renewal of this long rivalry.
General Information
A top recruit whose club experience was as a central defender • an outstanding header who was called in the U18 National Team camp in 2011 • began playing soccer at age four.
ODP, National Teams & Club Soccer
Started playing club soccer in the fifth grade, initially as a forward before switching permanently to defense at age 12 • captained club team since 2006 • member of 2010 League Cup championship squad.
Prep
Graduated from Katella High School on June 16, 2011 • played four years of high school soccer as a central defender • also played volleyball and competed in track • named defensive player of the year in the Empire League in both 2009 and 2010 • captained the team three years and led high school team to Orange League championship in 2011 • Scholar-Athlete Award winner • was Empire League MVP in track.
Personal
Taylor Anne Ramirez is the daughter of Teresa Ramirez and Randy Ramirez • was born December 26, 1993 in Anaheim Hills, Calif. • exercise and sports science major • her father played baseball at Long Beach State and then professionally in Seattle Mariners system • her mother was a professional model • older brother played baseball on a full scholarship at Cal State Fullerton, played for Team USA in 2010 and was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the fourth round of the 2011 Major League Baseball draft.
Up Close With Taylor Ramirez
Section #1: Soccer
1. The best thing about being a Tar Heel soccer player is being able to compete at the highest caliber of play for women's soccer. And my initials are TAR so I was born to be a Tar Heel.
2. My favorite things about competing for Coach Dorrance are he has worked with and trained some of the best soccer players in the world and I will be given the opportunity to become the best player I can be.
3. Since last year the aspect of my training I've worked on the most is everything.
4. My best friend on another college soccer team is Chelsey Patterson at Cal State Fullerton.
5. My greatest strengths as a soccer player are my vertical jump and ability to head the ball.
Section #2: Interests
1. Away from the soccer field and academic pursuits I like to spend time hanging out with friends, watching Spongebob and eating.
2. The best movie I've seen recently is Bad Teacher.
3. If I could compete in another sport at UNC it would be rowing, only because I got a letter in the mail to join the crew.
4. The music act I'd most like to see in person is Cats. I like cats.
5. The personal interest I have that might surprise my teammates is I like to fish.
Section #3: Food & Beverage
1. After a game at Fetzer Field, I'd like to see a buffet spread at McCaskill that included Tri-tip, mashed potatoes, Carne asada, rice and beans, bread rolls, pasta, salad and fruit.
2. My favorite beverage is raspberry iced tea.
3. My favorite food made by a relative is Grandma's chicken (a breaded chicken breast with chicken bouillon).
4. My favorite guilty pleasure food wise is ice cream.
Section #4: Personality
1. If I possessed the gift of time travel I'd like to go to back to my childhood.
2. My most prized personal possession is my soccer cleats.
3. If I could go to dinner with a famous person it would be Ryan Reynolds.
4. My dream job is to play soccer.
5. The most interesting person I've met at UNC is Elizabeth Burchenal.
