Ramirez Joins Triton Athletics as First Women's Rugby Coach

Hoping to build off the success the men's rugby program, Iowa Central is adding women's rugby to its already extensive athletic program offerings. Matt Ramirez will be the first head coach and will lead the Tritons into competition starting in the fall of 2026.

"Iowa Central is excited to introduce the addition of women's rugby and Matt Ramirez as our first women's rugby head coach. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the program," said Iowa Central Athletic Director, Guy Horn. "We are confident that he is the right person to take the initial steps into the future of collegiate rugby here at Iowa Central."

"Ramirez, the former head coach of Central Washington University Women's Rugby, can't wait to get started on this new venture. "Becoming the first head coach of Iowa Central Women's Rugby is an honor and an exciting challenge. We have the chance to be pioneers in this venture while bringing an amazing new sport to the Triton family," said Ramirez. "Thank you to Guy Horn and the search committee for the opportunity to build this program from the ground up. I can't wait to hit the ground running!"

In his time as head coach with the Central Washington University Wildcats, Ramirez coached and developed two capped USA Rugby Eagles, twelve D1 Elite/D1A Elite All-Americans, five USA U20s, two USA Rugby U23s, one Canada U20 and one MA Sorensen Award winner which is given to the top player in women's collegiate rugby.  Ramirez is a USA Rugby Certified Coach and has trained with the BNZ Crusaders Coaching International High-Performance Unit in New Zealand, where he spent time learning from top national and international coaches during the summers of 2018 and 2019.

"There is an enormous opportunity for women in sports right now and we feel adding women's rugby will enhance the student experience here at Iowa Central. It will provide opportunities that many females across the Midwest have been looking for," said Horn. "Dr. Ulrich and the Board had the vision to make this a possibility, and we cannot thank them enough for allowing us to provide this opportunity for female athletes moving forward."