Camino Athletes
Our mission is to bridge the gap between prospective student-athletes and top-level college coaches in the United States. We empower and support the next generation of athletes by connecting them to world-class training, resources, and opportunities to help them reach their full potential and achieve their goals.
MEET THE TEAM
TERESA
Co-Founder
Teresa Ramirez-Crippen's phenomenal success in NCAA athletics has established her as an invaluable partner to future student-athletes. As a member of the US national team from 2006 to 2012, she won gold and silver medals in the 2007 Pan American Games, and during her college career at the University of Florida, she secured a team NCAA championship in 2010, two individual SEC championships, and a total of seventeen All-American honors. Teresa's impressive record also includes a silver medal at the 2010 Pan Pacific Championships and a #2 world ranking in the 200m butterfly that same year.
After retiring from competitive swimming in 2012, Teresa turned her attention to mentoring swimmers, particularly in South America. Her passion for the region began with a swim clinic in Lima, Peru, in 2014, and continued with a six-month stint in 2017, where she coached swimmers of all ages. This led to several athletes from the group obtaining college scholarships in the US. As the younger sister of accomplished swimmers Maddy, Fran, and Claire Crippen, Teresa Ramirez-Crippen's impressive accomplishments and dedication to the sport make her an influential figure in the world of swimming.
JAMES
Co-Founder
James Ramirez-Crippen is an accomplished swim coach with over 18 years of experience and has coached at various levels in the US and South America, including NCAA Division I and II, California Community College, California High School, and USA Swimming Club levels. Holding a master's degree in Exercise Physiology, he has developed All-American swimmers and facilitated record-breaking performances at every level of coaching. As a swimmer, James is a USA Nationals qualifier, US Masters national champion in the 200 butterfly, and has led clinics in over 16 countries while working with the US-based swim company Finis.
In addition to his coaching, James has spent over seven years working in non-athletic roles at higher education institutions, gaining valuable knowledge of the university system. He leverages this understanding to help athletes maximize their potential at US universities and navigate their path to successful careers in sports. With Camino Athletes, James serves as a bridge for athletes to explore athletic opportunities, obtain scholarships and further their academic and athletic development.
LIA
Advisor
Lia brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for higher education to Camino Athletes, with a Stanford Graduate School of Business degree and extensive experience in product development and innovation. As a founding member of Stanford University's Institute of Design (d.school), Lia created and taught project-based courses in Design Thinking and Innovation, enabling her to understand the unique challenges faced by students in higher education. This expertise ensures that Camino Athletes provides tailored solutions and unparalleled guidance to clients.
With a strong background in product management and leadership at companies like Strava, Cleo AI, Craftsy, and ModCloth, Lia excels in creating strategic solutions and driving growth. Her passion for education, innovation, and mentorship will be invaluable in supporting clients navigating the complex world of collegiate athletics. Lia's understanding of higher education, combined with her innovation expertise, will ensure that Camino Athletes' NCAA recruiting service evolves to provide exceptional guidance. Her addition to the team reinforces our commitment to delivering outstanding results for our clients.
MARK
Advisor
Mark brings a wealth of swimming experience and expertise to our team at Camino Athletes, ensuring prospective student-athletes receive the best guidance and support for their collegiate journey. A former Stanford University swimmer with an impressive track record, Mark's firsthand experience makes him an essential resource for our clients.
Mark's accomplishments speak for themselves; he has succeeded at every level in competitive swimming in the US as a YMCA national champion, Pennsylvania State Champion, US Olympic Trials qualifier, US Nationals qualifier, and a three-time All-American. Additionally, he was part of a Stanford team that finished 2nd at the NCAA championships in 3 out of his four years competing.
Mark's extensive swimming experience and commitment to success in and out of the pool make him an indispensable part of our team. His understanding of the hard work, discipline, and dedication required to succeed in competitive swimming ensures that our prospective student-athletes receive the highest level of guidance and support.