Name: Carsten Ramirez

School, spring sport and position/event: Saguaro High School, Baseball, Outfield

How long have you been playing your sport? 15 Years

Why did you choose to play your sport? It gave me an escape from reality, where no matter what was happening off the field, I could always push it to the side and keep my focus between the lines. It was a source of happiness for me throughout the 15 years I played.

What is your favorite personal sports memory from your playing career? Within the shortened senior season I had, our team was my favorite memory. The scrappy little team with very little varsity experience was battling in full seven inning games with the best team in the state, with us winning the majority of those. This team was something special and will always be my best memory from baseball. They without a doubt outrank the championships, trophies and homeruns.

Who has impacted you the most along your sports journey? Why? My high school varsity head coach, Coach Joe Muecke. He not only taught me what it was to be a true character of the game, but he also helped me in my personal life. Preaching a positive mindset, being a coffee bean and being a man of character in every aspect of life, as well as baseball is a game of failure much like life is. Without these messages I would not be in the place I am today.

What are you going to miss most about high school sports? The sense of brotherhood that was formed. We all knew that none of us would play together again after these 4 years, and yet we still played like that was your brother and you knew everyone on the team had each other’s back in every situation, even outside of baseball, you could trust them.

What comes next for you after high school? I will not be continuing my athletic career, but I just committed to Arizona State University on a full ride scholarship. I plan to double major in psychology and social work, and become a high school social worker. I also plan to open my own non-profit organization that aids teens who deal with depression and anxiety but cannot afford to get the help they need for it.

What advice would you give to the underclassmen? Don’t take this time for granted. I remember being a freshman on my first day of tryouts like it was yesterday, and now these 4 years have flown by. If I could play another 4 years of high school baseball I would do it in a heartbeat, so enjoy every single opportunity you have with your coaches and teammates. It will be over before you know it.

Editor's Note: The Independent is seeking to highlight senior spring athlete's whose seasons were cut short because of the COVID-19 pandemic. You can email News Services Editor Josh Martinez at jmartinez@newszap.com for a questionnaire to fill out for a future senior spotlight.