Coaching Dynamics: Family on the Field

Tony Ramirez assistant coach, Tony Ramirez III head coach, and Jessie Ramirez head coach, of track and field tell their story of how they were inspired to be coaches and what it’s like to work with one another as family members.

By: Justyne Sanchez

Embracing the same career path as family members and having the opportunity to work in the same area can offer a sense of comforting tradition, shared experiences, uniqueness, a deep understanding of one another, and intertwining shared passions. Following in the footsteps of loved ones offers a great bond of friendship and mentorship. It creates strong wisdom passed down through generations, and a shared sense of purpose. Not only does it foster a strong sense of belonging, but it also serves as a source of inspiration, motivation, and pride in carrying on a legacy.

From left to right: Jessie Ramirez, Tony Ramirez, and Tony Ramirez III RHS/Golden West dual meet on April 9, 2024 Photo Gigantea/n.miller

Tony Ramirez, father of the other Ramirez, Assistant Cross Country Coach, Assistant girls wrestling coach, and Assistant track coach shares what it’s like to work with his two sons, “It’s been a great experience, They have their own coaching methods and ways of approaching situations, so it’s been a lot of fun to be on their coaching staff each season”, He says.

Ramirez also shares his favorite memory or moment while working with one another he says, “It’s the collection of memories that matter the most to me. It’s been a great journey, very rewarding.”

Head coach of cross country and boys track, Tony Ramirez lll, describes his favorite part of being a coach with family members with the same career, “Coaching with family members has allowed me to do what I love while being around people that I love. We work together really well and understand each other. Coaching can be a pretty tough gig sometimes, so having close-knit coaches on the same staff is a big benefit”, He says.

Ramirez lll shares what inspired him to become a coach he says, “There have been a few inspirations along the way, but I knew that I wanted to start coaching so that I could provide my teams with some opportunities that I always felt my teammates and I missed out on due to not having consistent guidance from a committed coach.”

Ramirez lll says, “Since starting to coach, the dedicated runners on my teams have inspired me to continuously grow as a coach and I want to be here for them. The kids 100% inspire me to come back every year and, for nearly two decades, I do this for them.”

Jessie Ramirez, girls track head coach, shares what inspired him to get into girls track he says, “I ran track when I was younger and have always enjoyed track. Some of my first memories of sports were watching track and field during the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. I was inspired to coach girl’s track at Redwood for a few reasons. One of those reasons is because my older brother, Tony, was already on the coaching staff and he is a big reason why I got into coaching track.”

Ramirez also says “My dad is an assistant for track and my sister is the girl’s wrestling coach. Working with my family is an awesome experience. My dad was my coach when I was younger, so to now be in a head coaching position I am able to use the knowledge and skills my dad passed on to me. For the first 6 years of my coaching career, I coached at a different school than the rest of my family and it didn’t feel right. Now that we are all at Redwood it truly makes each team we coach on feel like a family setting.”

Although working with a loved one is extraordinary there may be some pros and cons throughout the process.

Ramirez shares if there are any pros or cons of having a similar career as family members, he says “Pros to coaching with my family is that we always have a support system. Our family get-togethers usually involve discussing the various sports we coach at Redwood. We love what we do and take a lot of pride in guiding each student-athlete through their high school journey. I can’t say there are any cons to coaching with my family. We have always been a close, loving family. My parents raised us to never fight with our siblings and if we do have a misunderstanding with each other to always figure it out and support each other.”