Balancing playbooks and portfolios, Bryce Ramirez excels on and off the field through Texas Tech’s PFP program
For Texas Tech football captain Bryce Ramirez, success isn’t limited to the field — it’s found in every play, every plan, and every page of his coursework. A master’s student in personal financial planning, Ramirez is proving that discipline and drive translate far beyond game day.
“Growing up, I was always interested in money and how it works,” Ramirez said. “In high school, I would read a lot of my dad’s finance books that he had around the house. I’ve always been intrigued by the profession.”
That early curiosity turned into a true calling during his time at Texas Tech. As a junior majoring in business information technology, Ramirez took a finance class with Dawn Valentine in the Rawls College of Business and was immediately drawn to the subject. Rather than change his major, he decided to build on that foundation by pursuing a master’s degree in personal financial planning.
Balancing a full academic load with the demands of Division I football hasn’t been easy, but Ramirez has found a rhythm that works.
“After my advisor did some research, she saw that the PFP program had an all-online version, and I was like, ‘That’s perfect,’” he said. “For me, it’s all about having a plan and a routine. I try to get my work done on Sundays and Mondays so I can focus on football the rest of the week. It’s challenging, but I know it’ll all be worth it.”
That mindset — planning ahead, setting goals and following through — is paying off. Ramirez proudly notes that he’s earning a higher grade-point average in his master’s program than he did during his undergraduate years.
He credits much of that determination to the culture within Texas Tech football and the lessons from head coach Joey McGuire.
“Coach McGuire came in preaching the brand — to be the toughest, hardest-working, most competitive team in the country — and that really carries over to life outside of football,” Ramirez said.
His parents’ emphasis on education has also played a major role. “They’ve always pushed me to do my best in everything,” he said.
Looking ahead, Ramirez hopes to take his talents to the NFL, but if life takes another route, he plans to stay close to the game — whether through coaching, scouting or a role within Texas Tech Athletics.
No matter where the next chapter leads, he knows the lessons learned through the PFP program will serve him well.
“It’s been a great experience,” Ramirez said. “The professors truly care about their students and want to see everyone succeed.”