ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – New Mexico United and the Somos Unidos Foundation have announced the addition of Orlando Ramirez to the club’s Academy staff. Ramirez will serve in the role of Educational Liaison for New Mexico United, helping United Academy players achieve their educational and career goals as he continues his remarkable history of serving New Mexico as an educator and coach.

“I'm thrilled to officially join the New Mexico United staff, and work with these incredible young men,” said Ramirez. “Our goal in the New Mexico United Academy is to create positive members of our society. This is a unique and important opportunity for us to show the quality that is in New Mexico, keep our talent here at home, and create positive outcomes for our youth in education and career.”

Ramirez was born in Albuquerque and raised in Las Cruces. He attended the University of New Mexico, earning his Masters’ Degree in Education. He has been a teacher at Rio Grande High School for several years and serves as Head Coach of Albuquerque High School – a role in which he will remain. He has also been volunteering his time to work with United Academy players for some time.

Ramirez has coached soccer in New Mexico for 17 years, instructing several of United’s Academy players over that time. Ramirez’s mission at United is to facilitate post-secondary success for Academy players – in either higher education or career – providing personalized academic instruction for players, and preparing players/students for life after high school.