UTPB Athletics

UT Permian Basin women's cross country is set to begin a new era as Falcon alumna Melanie Ramirez takes over as head coach, which was announced on Thursday, August 3, 2023, by Vice President of Athletics Todd Dooley. 

Ramirez joins the program having graduated with her Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Science from The University of Texas Permian Basin in the Spring. At just 24 years old, she became the youngest head coach in school history and one of the youngest Division II coaches in the nation. 

Prior to becoming head coach of the Falcons' program, Ramirez ran cross country for Odessa College before transferring to UTPB to earn her bachelors. During her high school career, she was a regional qualifier for Midland High School. 

When asked about her goals for the Falcon women's cross country program, she was clear about her commitment not only for her athlete's success as runners, but also as students.

In addition to her role as head coach at UTPB, Ramirez is also an elementary P.E. teacher at Henderson Elementary in Midland and has been teaching since 2018.