Despite plenty of evidence to back her up, Ramey refuses to talk about herself. Question after question is met with a smile. Her self-effacing attitude is just one of the many reasons she was awarded her second Champions of Character award at the NAIA Division II National Tournament on Wednesday.
“It means a lot that they would feel that way and consider me for the award,” Ramey said. “I want to leave a good impression on everyone I meet.”
That, says Shawnee State coach Robin Hagen-Smith, is why she is the obvious choice.
“She's just a class act all the way around,” Hagen-Smith said. “She's just always been so consistent for us. If I were a player, I would love to play with her because of her demeanor.”
Teammate Tara Walker said it doesn't surprise her that Ramey deflected praise aimed her way.
“She's always very modest,” Walker said. “She's just an amazing person all around.”
Ramey is quick with a smile and has been whatever Shawnee State asked her to be on the court. Against Dakota State, Ramey played a lot of forward so Mandy Deal could stay on the floor. In her time as a Bear, Ramey has played every position on the floor except center.
Yet, Ramey doesn't want basketball to define who she is.
“I just want to be known for more than a basketball player,” Ramey said. “I want to be known as a good person.”
Hagen-Smith said Ramey has never had a bad word to say to anyone, and that she shows the same respect to officials, fans and opposing players and coaches that she shows her own team.
Ramey is also an Academic All-American.
“You don't just look at her as a basketball player but the person that she is,” Hagen-Smith said. “Academically, being an All-American, that takes a lot of discipline. Even if it's silent, she's a role model for her teammates.”
Ramey also won the award in 2004.
JASON R. CRISLER can be reached at (740) 353-3101, ext. 242 or at crislerj@gmail.com.
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