When Louie Ramirez left Cignal after the 2022 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference, he promised himself that if he returned, it would be a better and improved version of himself.
The 6-foot-3 outside spiker has been proving that all throughout the 2024 Invitational Conference—he is now indeed a more skilled Louie Ramirez.
Ramirez led the HD Spikers to two straight-set wins in the round-robin semifinals, topping the scoring charts against Savouge with 17 points before following it up with 14 points against FEU-DN Steel on Friday.
“Bago ako umalis ng Cignal, sinabi ko talaga sa sarili ko na bago ako bumalik sa kanila, dapat kumpleto na ako kasi alam ko naman na ang dami ko pang kulang,” shared the new Ramirez.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
To reach the level he is at now, the Dasol, Pangasinan native went through various experiences during the year and a half he was away from the HD Spikers.
In August 2023, Ramirez was given a huge opportunity to train with Oita Miyoshi Weisse Adler, a Japan V.League Division 1 team where Bryan Bagunas formerly played.
Although his plan of making it as an import in Japan did not pan out, he returned to the Altas in the NCAA and led his school to two championships in his final season.
Ramirez, along with Jefferson Marapoc, ruled the Season 99 beach volleyball tournament in January 2024 while leading Perpetual to the men’s volleyball title in May.
The NCAA MVP was then called up to play for Alas Pilipinas.
“Nabigyan ako ng opportunity na makapunta ng Japan, mag-training so doon ko kinuha lahat ng kulang ko, like sa reception, hanggang sa nag-national team ako tapos nag-training camp sa Italy,” said Ramirez.
“Pagbalik dito, sinabi ko sa sarili ko na iba na ‘yung Louie Ramirez.”
Now, he seeks to lead the HD Spikers to the Invitationals crown, with a spot in the gold medal match at stake when they clash with Criss Cross on Sunday.
