In an exclusive interview with The Padel Weekly, we had the privilege of sitting down with Luis Fernando Ramirez, the esteemed head coach of the U.S. Men’s National Padel Team. With a rich history in the sport and a passion for developing talent, Ramirez shared insights into his journey, the challenges and opportunities in growing padel in the U.S., and his vision for the future.
From Tennis to Padel: A Journey of Dedication
Luis Fernando Ramirez’s journey into padel is nothing short of inspiring. Originally from a tennis background, Ramirez came to the United States at the age of 18 on a scholarship to play Division 1 tennis at New Mexico State University. Reflecting on his time there, Ramirez says, “I had four great years, both academically and in tennis, which led to support from my country and family to continue my tennis career.”
Ramirez transitioned to coaching after competing professionally for three years and playing in the Davis Cup. He opened his own tennis academy in Miami, which later evolved to include padel as he fell in love with the sport. “Padel was introduced to me as a player, and like most people, I fell in love with the game quickly,” Ramirez recalls. His passion for padel grew, leading him to compete in the USPA circuit and eventually transition to a full-time padel player and coach.
Building the U.S. Padel Community
Ramirez has been instrumental in shaping the U.S. padel landscape. His dedication to the sport is evident in his efforts to build a sustainable community around padel. “One major worry is creating a sustainable sport out of what we’re building,” he says. Ramirez emphasizes the importance of grassroots and junior programs to create a real community. “Our mission is to attract as many young people as possible. This will involve entire families and ensure the sport’s longevity.”
The coach also highlighted the significance of padel’s potential inclusion in the Olympics. “If padel becomes an Olympic sport, it will be a tremendous boost for sustainability and recognition,” he adds.
Coaching the U.S. Men’s National Team
As the head coach of the U.S. Men’s National Padel Team, Ramirez’s leadership is driven by his passion and commitment to his players. “I’ve always had a leadership personality,” he says. “My goal is to get the best out of my players and make them believe they can improve.”
Under his guidance, the U.S. team has achieved remarkable success. “Last year was tremendous. We won the Pan American Games in Cancun, Mexico, for the first time in history,” Ramirez proudly states. This victory against strong competitors like Argentina and Brazil boosted the team’s morale and solidified their belief in their potential.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
Looking ahead, Ramirez acknowledges both the challenges and opportunities in growing padel in the U.S. “Creating a sustainable sport and building grassroots programs are major challenges,” he notes. However, he remains optimistic about the future. “The momentum is strong, and the people around the sport are dedicated. I believe we have the talent to be a top ten country in the world.”
The Future of Padel
Luis Fernando Ramirez envisions a bright future for padel, both globally and in the U.S. “The Olympics will play a key role in popularizing and democratizing padel,” he says. “In five years, I hope to see public courts and junior academies across the country, creating a solid foundation for future champions.”
Ramirez’s journey and vision for padel in the U.S. are truly inspiring. His dedication to the sport and his players is a testament to his commitment to elevating padel to new heights. As the U.S. Men’s National Padel Team prepares for upcoming competitions, there is no doubt that Ramirez’s leadership will continue to drive their success
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