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 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 now becomes the youngest head coach in school history and one of the youngest Division II coaches in the nation. 

"Melanie's enthusiasm and passion for working with student-athletes won us over. We are excited for her to oversee our women's cross-country program," Dooley said. 

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. 

"I feel very honored," Ramirez said when asked about returning to her alma matter to begin her coaching career. "I'm happy to be back on campus. It's a beautiful place with a lot of support. A lot of the people are just encouraging, and I can't say enough great things about them."  

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. 

"My goal is to help my athletes lower their times and assist them in reaching their full potential as runners. Yes, come put in the work with me, but you need to put the work into your studies as well. It's important to me to not only have goals for them as athletes, 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.