Graduate achieves success on and off the field

Soccer standout Cynthia Ramirez to receive bachelor’s degree in communications

By California State University, Bakersfield

December 3^rd, 2025

Student-athlete Cynthia Ramirez wasn’t sure what to major in when she first started pursuing higher education at Allan Hancock College in Santa Maria.

Having played soccer since she was a child, she knew she wanted to do something sports-related but wasn’t interested in science-focused majors such as kinesiology or biology. Then an advisor suggested one Ramirez hadn’t considered: communications.

“I feel like playing a sport your whole life, you’re kind of tied to it,” she said. “I wanted to still be tied to sports somehow, something where I could be active. Communications was a way for me to still be associated with soccer in some way.”

Now Ramirez is graduating from California State University, Bakersfield this fall with her bachelor’s in communications with a concentration in digital media. She plans to pursue a media career covering sports.

“I’m excited but I’m also nervous,” Ramirez said. “It’s going to be kind of sad to leave my friends and my teammates, but I’m excited to see what life has in store for me. It’s a little unknown right now.”

December’s commencement caps a whirlwind year-and-a-half for Ramirez, who grew up in San Luis Obispo County. She enrolled at CSUB in spring 2024 after committing to play soccer at the university.

Ramirez said she enjoyed learning about the women’s soccer program at CSUB and visiting the campus. She was excited about being able to play at a Division I school that wasn’t far away from home and didn’t feel overwhelming.

“I wanted the same feeling I had at my junior college, which was small,” she said. “I feel like I thrive better at a smaller school where I can get to know people. The people have really made the place. Once you’re here on campus, it feels like a little community.”

Ramirez moved to Bakersfield within three weeks of finding out she was accepted at CSUB. Her first semester was challenging as she adjusted to living on her own away from family.

“You don’t realize how hard it’s going to be, all the little things your family does for you that you take for granted,” she said. “The hardest part was missing family gatherings, like birthdays, but you know that’s what you sign up for when you join a team.”

Being part of a team is what ultimately helped Ramirez get through those challenging times.

“You find a family within a team, a sense of belonging. It’s a really good distraction from everyday life,” she said.

Ramirez’s soccer commitments take up most of her time outside of class, but the hard work has paid off. Last year, her team was the first in CSUB history to reach the Big West Conference. The team narrowly lost the conference title 8-7 to University of California, Santa Barbara.

“Having a really big year of breaking records was fun,” she said. “I felt proud. I think our team played with so much passion, and it showed.” This has also been a big year for Ramirez. Earlier this fall, she was selected as an honoree of the Big West First Team All-Conference and was also named the Best West Offensive Player of the Week after she clinched a 1-0 victory for the Roadrunners over UC San Diego.

“Cynthia brings incredible attacking talent to our front line. She has natural speed and exceptional 1v1 ability, but what stands out most is the work she’s put in over the past two years at CSUB to refine those strengths into becoming one of the most dangerous attackers in the Big West,” said Women’s Soccer Head Coach Whitney Pitalo. “Opponents feared her presence on the wings, and we were fortunate to have her in our program. She fit our style of play perfectly and will leave big shoes to fill. Cyn is a relentless worker, and there’s no doubt she’ll find success in whatever path she pursues next.”

'I feel like I've grown in confidence'

Ramirez has been playing soccer ever since she was 7 years old. She and her two sisters were encouraged by their parents to do sports.

“They never got to play sports growing up, so they always pushed us to go outside and do something,” she said. “We loved it. I always played with the older girls. That’s where I really grew into the person I became. I always liked the challenge.”

Soccer was not only fun for Ramirez but also served as an important outlet for her during difficult times in her life. Her father was significantly injured in a car accident in 2012 and was unable to work, which caused financial strain on the family.

Despite these hardships, Ramirez was able to stay in youth sports thanks to a scholarship. Her father was the person who would take her to games and practices. Ramirez said she enjoyed getting to spend more time with her dad and is grateful for his support, as it allowed her to continue doing something she loves.

“There’s so much about being able to play. It’s the little moments — when you get a win and you go out to celebrate — those are the moments you look back on,” she said. “I love the sport even more now that I did before. I’ve always had so much love for it, but I feel like playing at this level is special because it’s hard. You have to show up every day and be able to perform every day.”

While Ramirez felt she had strong soccer abilities, she was less confident about pursuing her communications degree at CSUB. After she began taking classes, however, Ramirez grew to enjoy and appreciate it.

“I feel like I’ve grown in confidence in a lot of those areas that have to do with media, being on camera,” she said. “It’s been super nice to see what I’m learning in the classroom and then translate that to the real world.”

Ramirez has used what she’s learned about media in class in helping manage the social media account for the women’s soccer team. She has also created content for the account by conducting on-camera interviews with teammates and coaches. Ramirez said many of them are excited to participate and see the value in what it can bring to the team.

“I feel like communications isn’t a very common major among athletes, but my teammates see how it translates,” she said. “That’s been super rewarding too, that they can recognize it.”

This semester, Ramirez is also serving as a social media manager for The Runner. She has also led several video projects for the student-run newspaper at CSUB.

“That has been the most rewarding,” she said. “It is challenging, especially getting used to how video production works, but I feel once you learn it and get the hang of it, it smooths out.”

Bianca Moreno, communications professor and faculty advisor for The Runner, said she has been impressed by Ramirez’s ability to successfully juggle sports and academics.

“Cynthia captivates an audience with her authenticity and is often one of the first students I think of for creative projects or honest feedback. As I’ve gotten to know her, I only continue to grow inspired by her,” she said. “Despite difficult life circumstances, she remains a force on and off the soccer field and pushes her creativity on digital platforms. She leads with humility and quiet strength, and she is a reminder of why we educators do what we do.”

While Ramirez had some doubts at first about how well she would do in the communications program, she said she’s enjoyed the experience.

“It’s rewarding when you’re able to get something down and make something look good and present it. It’s been a rewarding major, overall,” she said. “I feel like I have met more people outside of my sport on campus. I’ve gotten to put myself more out there and make a bunch of new memories.”

While Ramirez is interested in pursuing a media career, she also hopes to one day become a professional soccer player. She has hired an agent and is interested in playing for a soccer club in Mexico.