The second player signed to the Revolution II inaugural roster directly out of the club’s academy, Dennis Ramirez earned his spot with four strong performances in preseason play. Since joining the Revolution Academy in 2018, Ramirez saw action in 33 contests with the Revolution Under-19 squad between defender and defensive midfield. Let’s learn more about one of the youngest members of the Revolution II squad and how he feels playing for the Revolution Academy prepared him to make the leap to the professional level.
1. Time is of the Essence
Ramirez knows that young players have to make a lot of sacrifices to succeed at an elite level. According to the first-year pro, “One of them is your time, specifically taking time to make yourself better. You can never be good enough. If you think you could get better at something, then take your free time to get better at it, whether it be your technical ability or your fitness. It’s up to you to reach your full potential. You have to do whatever it takes to make sure you’re at your best. Something like going to sleep earlier or getting as much rest as you can the night before a match.”
2. I’d Like to Thank the Academy …
When the call came to make the jump to Revolution II, Ramirez knew he was ready thanks to a top education in the club’s academy. “It really helped me prepare mentally to push harder and to make the best out of every opportunity you get, whether you’re playing 90 minutes or coming off the bench for 10-15 minutes to finish off the game. My favorite part about being a member of the Revolution Academy was the competitiveness. You’re surrounded by great players your age and some of them even being in your position, so it’s your goal to make that starting 11 and to make the best of it. You never had a spot secured, you had to work for it.”
3. Tough Switch
Ramirez made the switch from the Boston Bolts’ academy to the Revolution in 2018. Traditionally a center back, he had recently experimented in defensive midfield before making the transition. Though Ramirez says he struggled with the new position at first, which impacted his confidence, Revolution II assistant coach Marcelo Santos, then head coach of the U-19s, helped the midfielder acclimate to the new role.
4. Making the Jump
Ramirez is the second player in club history to make the direct jump from the Revolution Academy to the USL League One squad. He joins forward Meny Silva, who featured 20 times for the Revs’ U-17s and U-19s before signing with Revolution II in January 2020.
Here are some more fun facts about Dennis:
Favorite Food: Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Favorite Movie: Kingsman: The Secret Service
Favorite Vacation Spot: Guatemala
Favorite Musical Artist: Lil Tecca
Animal you identify with the most: Turtle
If a movie was made about you, which actor would you choose to play yourself: George Lopez
If you could instantly become an expert in something, what would it be: Law
