The Marshalltown Community College Athletic Department has announced the student-athletes of the month for the month of October. Sophomore Rafael Ramos and freshman Halee Pedro are being honored with this distinction. Both individuals have been instrumental of the successes of their respective programs this year. They both are leaders both in and out of the classroom as well, exemplifying what it means to be a student-athlete at MCC.
Ramos is an integral part of the defense on the Tiger Men's Soccer team seeing time as both a defenseman and a midfielder. This year's Tiger Defense is currently ranked first in the NJCAA in goals against average at 0.55. Ramos's talent, hard work, and ability to lead the group to limit shots and scoring opportunities by opponents is a main component of the success the soccer team has enjoyed thus far. Ramos, who has played in every match of his Tiger career, was recently named 1st Team All-Region. He was also on the ICCAC All-Tournament team for his efforts in matches against Iowa Western in the semi-finals and Iowa Lakes in the final match.
"I am very happy and appreciative that the defensive work the entire team is putting forth on the field was recognized through Rafa Ramos, who is a key player when we do not have the ball and a great leader of our entire squad," Head Coach Rafael Martinez commented about the recognition of Ramos.
A stand out in the classroom as well, Ramos carries a 3.75 GPA and was named 1st team Academic All Region last fall. This year, he is on track to receive that distinction again as well as being named an Academic All American selection. The co-captain also serves the campus by working in the Student Activity Center, as well as for the soccer program. He is also active with youth soccer in Marshalltown, coaching future Tigers in training.
Pedro made an immediate impact on the Volleyball team this fall and was a main reason that they enjoyed their best season, and most on court success in the history of the program. Pedro, a libero, played in every set of the season, providing a consistency in the back row. The freshman lead the ICCAC in both digs (630) and digs per set (5.08). Her total number of digs, is good enough for fourth on the national level as well.
"Halee did a great job of heading our back row defense all season. She finished our season ranked 4th in the country for digs and had some big matches for us in October highlighted by a 34 dig performance in our October 20 match against Hawkeye," Head Coach Justin Hoskins stated.
The volleyball program, which soared to a 34-5 mark this season, has put in extensive work in the community as well. Pedro is one of the leaders of this charge as well volunteering at Woodbury Elementary, House of Compassion, and aiding in tornado relief.