Ramirez Returns Home As Assistant Diving Coach

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – The University of Miami has hired Rio Ramirez as assistant men’s and women’s diving coach, head coach Dario Di Fazio announced Friday.

Ramirez, who has spent the past three years as the head diving coach at Virginia Tech, returns to his alma mater, where he was one of the most successful divers in Hurricanes history.

Ramirez was a four-time NCAA champion under legendary Miami head coach Randy Ableman from 1996-99, capturing the 1-meter title three times (1997-99) and the platform crown in 1999. Ramirez was a five-time All-American and two-time NCAA Diver of the Year. He later competed for USA Diving, winning the national championship in synchronized 3-meter in 2000 and finishing third in the platform at the 2000 Olympic Trials. Ramirez graduated from UM in 2001 and was inducted into the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame & Museum in 2014.

“We are excited to bring Rio back to Coral Gables,” Di Fazio said. “Rio is a terrific teacher and motivator who knows firsthand what this program can achieve at the highest levels of NCAA and international competition.”

Ramirez started his coaching career as the head coach at FIU, where he led the Panthers to five straight conference titles over seven seasons. He was named Sun Belt Conference Coach of the Year in 2013 and Conference USA Coach of the Year in 2014. Ramirez spent one season as head coach at Alabama, which included an SEC platform champion and two NCAA qualifications, before taking over the head coaching reins in Blacksburg. He helped four Hokies advance to the NCAA Championships over three seasons, including an honorable mention All-American on 1-meter and two bronze medals at ACCs.

“It’s an honor to coach alongside Dario Di Fazio, whose skill and overall passion for this sport is contagious,” Ramirez said. “The University of Miami diving program has changed my life, and I am beyond thrilled to give back to the sport and the community.”