Digging Deep and Rising Higher

For five seasons, Vanessa Ramirez hasn’t just played for Utah Volleyball—she’s helped define it, setting a standard that few can match and no one can ignore. As the only U competitor to start every match and play in every set in the 2023 season, Ramirez’s consistent presence as libero has made her a force to be reckoned with on the court—and a fan favorite off it. When asked what drew her to the U, Ramirez recalls the high-octane volleyball camp that first got her attention. “I loved seeing that level of play,” she reflects. “And then I came for a visit and experienced the family culture here. It just felt right.”