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Former Hawk transfers to Seattle University
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Former Hawk Ozzie Ramos will suit up for the Seattle University mens soccer team this fall. Ramos spent the previous two years at San Diego State. - photo by Photo courtesy of San Diego State Athletics

Former Central Valley High School boys soccer star Ozzie Ramos has transferred from San Diego State to Seattle University.

The junior midfielder asked to be released from his scholarship a week after the 2015-16 campaign ended.

Ramos will continue to compete at the NCAA Division-I level.

"My two years at San Diego State were great," said Ozzie, who enrolled at Seattle University in March. "I left in good standing with the coaches and players. It was time for a new challenge."

Ramos saw action in all 38 of the Aztecs' games the past two seasons.

Ozzie collected two goals, dished out one assist and attempted 39 shots while starting 31 times.

San Diego State finished the 2015-16 season with an 8-8-3 overall record and placed last in Pac-12 standings (2-7-1).

Ramos scored the first goal of his career as the Aztecs shut out the Cal Bears 1-0 on Oct. 16 in San Diego.

Ozzie helped host San Diego upset No. 16 UCLA in double overtime on Nov. 14.

Ramos' shot in the 103rd minute glanced off Aztec teammate Brady Blackwell and into the goal.

He was credited with the assist.

Ozzie collected his second goal in a 3-1 home loss to Oregon State on Nov. 8.

Ramos logged 113 minutes of playing time in a pair of 3-1 losses to eventual NCAA-champion Stanford.

Ozzie was voted San Diego State's top newcomer his freshman year.

He was on the field for 1,038 minutes for the Aztecs, who went 7-12 and finished at the bottom of the Pac-12 standings (1-9-0).

Ramos started 14 times.

"The experience I got at San Diego State was second to none," Ozzie said. "I got plenty of match action. I had great teammates and coaches. It's a great school. I made friends that I'll have for the rest of my life."

Seattle University ranked No. 12 in the NCAA Men's Soccer RPI poll this past season.

The RedHawks made program history by compiling an 18-4-1 overall record, capturing the Western Athletic Conference championship (9-1-0) and advancing to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament.

Seattle University beat three Pac-12 teams during the 2015-16 season, including UCLA (1-0), Oregon State (2-1) and Washington (2-1).
"They've been doing well the past few seasons," Ozzie said.

Ramos drew interest from Santa Clara, Cal State Fullerton, San Jose State, Virginia Tech and a host of other schools prior to deciding to become a RedHawk.

"There are a lot of people that helped me out with this process," Ramos said. "At the end of the day, I think Seattle was the best fit. I talked to the coaches there. They made me feel really comfortable. I can't wait to play for them. It's going to be awesome. They have one of the top teams in the country. It's a private Catholic school, too."

Ramos suited up for FC Tucson in the Premier Development League the summer before his final season with San Diego State.

The Seattle Sounder under-23 squad edged FC Tucson 2-1 for the Western Conference Championship.

Ozzie was one of the youngest players in the league.

"I earned a starting spot right away," said Ramos, who led FC Tucson in minutes played. "That's been my top experience in my soccer career."

Ramos graduated from Central Valley High School in 2014.

The standout midfielder tied for first in California in assists (29) and ranked fifth in goals (31) during his final season with Central Valley. He also claimed the Western Athletic Conference Most Valuable Player award for the second year in a row.

The Hawks posted a program-best 26-2-0 overall record, captured their sixth straight conference title and advanced to the playoffs for the seventh consecutive year.

Central Valley also accomplished another first by posting a perfect 12-0-0 record in WAC play.

Seattle University will open the 2016 season at the Akron Classic in Ohio this Friday.

"Everyone wants to start and play as much as they can," Ozzie said. "I'll continue to work hard and the coaches will notice. But at the end of the day, the most important thing is the team."