A&M-San Antonio's Bobby Ramirez Named RRAC's Top Athletic Tariner

Waco, TX- The Red River Athletic Conference announced that Robert "Bobby" Ramirez, of Texas A&M University–San Antonio, has been selected as the 2025-26 RRAC Athletic Trainer of the Year.

Presented at the completion of each academic year, the RRAC Athletic Trainer of the Year award recognizes an NATA-certified athletic trainer from the RRAC who has distinguished himself or herself as a model of the profession in personal conduct and professional allied health service to student-athletes. It recognizes an athletic trainer who demonstrates outstanding commitment to student-athlete health and safety, excellence in sports medicine, and dedicated service to their institution and the conference. The selection is determined through a peer vote of all conference athletic trainers.

Ramirez serves as A&M-San Antonio's Head Athletic Trainer, where he oversees the health, safety and performance of student-athletes across multiple sports. His responsibilities include daily medical care, injury prevention, rehabilitation programming, practice and game coverage, and administrative coordination of athletic training services.

Prior to joining A&M-San Antonio, Ramirez spent five years as Head Athletic Trainer at Central Catholic High School in San Antonio, managing sports medicine services for 11 athletic programs. He also gained experience as a PRN Athletic Trainer with Baptist Hospital's Sports Medicine Department and as a Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer at St. Anthony Catholic High School, supporting a variety of men's and women's athletic programs.

Ramirez earned both a Master of Science in Sports Management and a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training, with a minor in Psychology, from the University of the Incarnate Word (Texas). During his undergraduate training, he worked extensively with NCAA Division I programs, including football, baseball, softball, volleyball and basketball, building a strong foundation in athlete care and performance support.

A Board-Certified Athletic Trainer licensed in the state of Texas, Ramirez also maintains CPR and AED certification through the American Heart Association. Throughout his career, he has contributed to numerous athletic events and competitions while establishing many accolades.

Ramirez expressed gratitude for the recognition and emphasized the collaborative nature of athletic training.

"There are a lot of great athletic trainers in this conference, and I am truly humbled and very honored to receive this award and to be able to represent Texas A&M University–San Antonio," he said. "I want to first thank God, my wife Diandra, my son Stetson, and my friends and family. I would not be able to do this without their love and support. I also want to thank the A&M–San Antonio administration, coaches, sports medicine team and, of course, the athletes for putting their trust in me and allowing me to do this job I love.

"It was truly a team effort. For me, it has always been about the athletes. Seeing and treating the whole athlete—the physical, the mental and emotional—and putting those all together to do what is best for the athlete so they can perform at their best. The true reward is the trust earned, the relationships built and the memories made. Thank you to my fellow athletic trainers in the conference for this recognition. It is truly an honor, and I cannot express how humbled I am."

A&M-San Antonio Athletic Director Darnell Smith, Ph.D., praised Ramirez for his impact on the Jaguars' athletic department and student-athletes.

"Bobby Ramirez embodies everything this award represents—professional excellence, selfless service, and an unwavering commitment to student-athlete care," Smith said. "His recognition as the Red River Athletic Conference Athletic Trainer of the Year reflects the extraordinary impact he has on our student-athletes and our programs. Through his expertise and leadership, Bobby is not only helping athletes perform at their best, but he is also building champions on and off the field. This honor is a well-deserved recognition of the difference he makes every day."