Hometown: Bexley, Ohio
Head Coaching Career:
•University of Dayton (1986-94)
•Ashland University (1995-Present)
Notes:
•NCAA Division II National Champion (2012-13) and Runner-Up (2011-12)
•NCAA Division II Coach of the Year (2011-12)
•FCA Kay Yow Heart of a Coach Award Winner (2011)
“… Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith…” – Hebrews 12:1-2
Immediately following her team’s overtime loss in the 2012 NCAA Division II national championship, Sue Ramsey prayed that God would use the disappointment for His glory. Tears of agony turned to shouts of joy one year later when her inspired Ashland Eagles won the school’s first-ever women’s basketball national title. Now in her 19th season with the program, Ramsey is focused on continuing their winning ways while teaching her team about an eternal purpose beyond the hardwood.
FCA: Was coaching something you always dreamed of doing?
SR: I knew in college that coaching was my heart’s passion. I was blessed to have a chance to observe some great coaches and role models as a player and as an assistant coach. And I have been able to take ownership of the things that fit who I am and who God created me to be as a coach.
It’s been a great fit for me here at Ashland, where I can share God’s Word with these young ladies as we seek to honor Him in all we do. My job, my role, my calling and mission field is pouring into the people that God has entrusted to me.
FCA: What did it mean to lead your team to a national championship?
SR: Looking back, it’s amazing to see all the things God used to impact our team that season. We lost in the national championship game the previous season, and I remember praying on the sidelines immediately after the game, “Lord, use this moment in our lives to glorify You.”
Our team took that to heart and went home over the summer and worked hard, and everyone got better. We faced adversity along the way, but they were extremely goal-oriented, focused and didn’t waver. It was an unbelievable journey, and I attribute it all to faith, prayer and a single-mindedness to bring God glory every time we stepped on the floor.
FCA: How do you see coaching as a ministry opportunity?
SR: I hope my players see that faith isn’t something that only happens in church on Sundays. I pray they see that God's Word permeates all areas of life and is applicable in all things. When their time here is done, I hope they’re better equipped to go out into the world and continue to grow in their faith and glorify God.
I am also very passionate about pouring into fellow coaches. We each have a responsibility as coaches to be a positive influence in our athletes’ lives, and we must not abuse that privilege in any way.
FCA: How has FCA impacted you?
SR: I’ve been involved with FCA for many years, since my time as a high school coach helping lead Huddles until now with numerous speaking opportunities.
FCA provides a safe environment where young people can be with others who are in the Word, studying, praying, learning, growing, and building a solid foundation in their faith.
FCA: What does your faith mean to your coaching?
SR: My faith and personal relationship with Jesus Christ—and the salvation He has given to me through the cross—is the foundation of everything in my life. All the opportunities I’ve had and the things that have accumulated over the years have been a blessing from Him. I pray that, no matter what, people see and give honor to God and not to me.
FCA Staff Quote:
“Sue is an NCAA national championship coach, but more importantly she is a coach who cares more about her players’ spiritual development than their athletic achievement. She loves Jesus and uses the platform God has given her to make a difference for Him.”
-Donna Noonan, FCA National Director of Events and Women’s Staff Development
Originally Published: January 2014
Photos courtesy of Ashland University