Heritage senior Omar Ramirez selected as The Columbian's All-Region boys soccer player of the year

Omar Ramirez loves to talk. It's just who is.

But last season, Ramirez had to use his voice in a new way and become a team leader on the Heritage soccer team.

"I had a lot of people say to me 'You guys argue a lot,'" Ramirez recalled. "After fifth or sixth game, finally I had to set my foot down. I was like 'No more bickering at each other. No more. None of that. We need to put the same game together, become the win for the team, become the win for Heritage. Let's play this game and let's have fun.'

"I think that's when we felt more meshed together. I think that's what led to a bunch more shutouts. It was amazing."

With Ramirez, the two-time 3A Greater St. Helens League offensive player of the year, leading the way, the Timberwolves posted back-to-back league titles and state-tournament appearances.

And that led Ramirez to be selected as The Columbian All-Region boys soccer player of the year.

The pivotal moment for Ramirez came during his sophomore year when he suffered a broken foot early in the season, sidelining him for more than four months.

"Going into my junior year, I just thought this is really redemption, these next two years are redemption for me," he said. "So that really meant a lot to me, being able to do that for this program."

This season was a bit different for Ramirez, who notched 15 goals and 10 assists for the Timberwolves, as he embraced coach Davis Delamarter's team-first emphasis.

"I had double the assists I had last season," Ramirez said. "One of my freshman teammates, he scored four goals this season, and I assisted on three of them. It felt really good to me that I was able to involve players like that, get them their goals, get them their success. ... It's really nice that I got to see players come out of their shell."

Ramirez also used his love for conversation to help others in the community.

Ramirez has been part of Heritage's Dual Language Capstone program. As a class program, Ramirez had to utilize his dual-language skills to help the community in some way.

So he and several of his soccer teammates hosted a spring break soccer camp last year for Spanish-speaking kids.

"We got like 35 kids to come out, and it was awesome," he said. "It was really awesome to do it for those kids and just be able to open a gateway for those kids to start playing this beautiful game."

Ramirez also played the other football last fall, being a kicker and punter for the Heritage football team.

"Coach (Kevin) Peterson tried to get me to come out my junior year, but I was just recovering from my broken foot," Ramirez said. "Then my senior year rolls around, and I came out and kicked a 50-yard field goal. Peterson is like 'You're on the team.'

"It was a really fun experience. In soccer, there is a version of brotherhood. But football, for sure, is a more intense, more stronger brotherhood that I had not scene before."

Ramirez, who will play college soccer next year at Saint Martin's University, said he'll always be proud of what the Timberwolves were able to on the soccer pitch these past two seasons.

And he looks forward to his younger teammates continuing the tradition of success at Heritage.

"I think I was just a part of puzzle," he said. "Honestly, I don't think I was the change. We were all the changes. Every single player made their part, made their difference. I think I was one of the factors that helped in that. I'm really glad to be part of that, because this program is set for greatness. It has such a good future, and I'm going to be more happy about that."

Rest of the All-Region team

Toren Baker, Skyview: Junior forward at 6-3 and 225 pounds was a physical presence up front for the Storm with 15 goals, six assists.

Ryder Cole-Vogler, Hockinson: Senior forward sparked the Hawks to district runner-up and state quarterfinal finish with 16 goals and four assists.

Bryce Diaz, Columbia River: Senior defender anchored the Rapids' backline, leading the Rapids to 16 shutouts and third-place state showing.

Leif Evenson, Skyview: Junior forward utilized his speed to produce 17 goals and eight assists, helping the Storm earn the 4A GSHL title.

Hendrix Flick, Ridgefield: Senior goalkeeper and Clark College signee was the 2A Greater St. Helens League defensive player of the year.

Leonel Herrera, Heritage: Senior was the 3A GSHL defensive player of the year, leading the Timberwolves to 12 shutouts.

Christian Peralta, Fort Vancouver: Sophomore forward was the Trico League player of the year, leading the Trappers to their first league title since 1988.

Jackson Radi, Mountain View: Senior forward and Clark College signee led the Thunder to a state round-of-16 berth with 14 goals, seven assists.

Mason Renner, Columbia River: Senior forward was the 2A GSHL offensive player of the year, led Rapids with 18 goals and 15 assists.

Cooper Schneider, Camas: Senior and Seattle Pacific commit was the 4A Greater St. Helens League offensive player of the year.

Mason Teater, Camas: Senior and Colorado Mesa commit anchored the Papermakers' backline as an all-league defender.

Unlock all stories. Stay informed.

Starting at just $1.99/week

Become a subscriber and get unlimited access to every story, plus our ePaper and app for seamless reading anywhere. Stay informed, support local journalism, and stay connected to your community.

Subscribe today

Copyright 2026 Tribune Content Agency. All Rights Reserved.