Golden Eagles girls basketball senior Stephanie Ramsey’s athletic and academic career will take off this fall at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Ramsey was a standout four-year starter and 1,000-point career scorer on the basketball court, but her primary focus has always been academics and her college choice reflects that commitment.

Embry-Riddle specializes in aerospace, aviation, and other science and technology-related fields. Ramsey’s interest in STEM-related classes influenced her decision to attend Embry-Riddle and major in aerospace engineering.

“I have always loved math and science. Ever since I took Mr. Wilson’s Earth and Space Science class, I’ve loved learning about the solar system and space. I then choose aerospace engineering”, said Ramsey.

Ramsey is ready for the new adventure but is a little apprehensive about being so far away from home and family.

“I’m excited to travel and meet new people, but I am worried about how often I’ll get to come home,” said Ramsey. “I chose Embry-Riddle because I’ve always wanted to go away from home for school, and I get the opportunity to play basketball in an environment where they care about my academics.”

The Embry-Riddle Eagles women’s basketball team is a rather new program, playing its inaugural season just eight years ago in 2014. They have been coached by Lisa Wilson since their inception. Wilson has a lifetime 99-77 record in the NCAA Division II Sun Conference.

Ramsey will redshirt her freshman year and hopes to move into the regular lineup as a sophomore.

Despite her focus on academics, advancing her basketball career has always been on Ramsey’s mind. Now that she has decided to play at Embry-Riddle, all of the hard work both in the classroom and on the court has paid off for her.

“I was very excited to learn that I would have the opportunity to continue my basketball career. I have been playing since kindergarten, and I’ve been traveling with AAU since fifth grade. I’m happy to see that all the hard work has paid off and I get to continue at the next level,” said Ramsey.

Ramsey’s basketball skills and smarts have never gone unnoticed, especially by Tyrone Head Coach Luke Rhoades.

“Stephanie was like a coach on the floor, her knowledge of the game goes above and beyond most high school athletes,” girls basketball coach Luke Rhoades.

Ramsey was a starter throughout her high school career and joined Tyrone’s elite 1000-point club during her senior year.

“She was the first to show up and the last to leave. Her desire to endlessly work on her game was a huge reason for her success,” said Rhoades.

Along with Ramsey, fellow seniors Jaida Parker and Emma Getz have also announced that they will play basketball at the college level.

Parker has committed to Millersville University and Getz will play at Chatham in the fall.

“I got to grow up playing with Jaida and Emma. We have played together since third grade, then Jaida and I have played AAU together also. We have developed a great bond as teammates and helped make each other better,” said Ramsey.

Through hard work and determination, Ramsey, Parker, and Getz made Tyrone girls basketball thrive for their four consecutive seasons.

“I feel like that says a lot about our team these past years since we get to all compete at the college level. We have all worked so hard for this, and I know those two will do great things,” said Ramsey.

Soon, Ramsey will leave her hometown life for something new and bold at Embry-Riddle University.

“I loved my high school experience. I had amazing teachers who cared about me in and out of school. With basketball, I’m sad to see my Tyrone career come to an end. I loved getting to play for Coach Rhoades, and I truly had the best teammates. It’s sad to see that chapter close, but I’m excited about the future,” said Ramsey.