Check Out Ramon Chavez’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ramon Chavez.

Hi Ramon, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born in Nogales, Sonora, into a small but incredibly close-knit family. From a very young age, I was immersed in a family of fervent sports enthusiasts, particularly when it came to soccer. Missing a game was simply out of the question, and I was always eager to be out on the streets, kicking a soccer ball around. 

Before heading off to school, you could find me playing soccer with an empty gallon of milk, using our backpacks as makeshift goalposts. After school, it was the same routine at the local park – hours of soccer, endless fun. 

Whenever a World Cup or a major tournament came around, I hung out with a cousin of mine who would meticulously record all the results and patiently teach me all the intricate aspects of the beautiful game. I’d even travel with his team to various places, taking on the role of a ball boy or helping out by fetching meals for the team during their breaks. I wanted to be just like him and be as close to the game as possible. 

This is where my profound love for the sport was truly nurtured. Even when I moved to a different country, and the opportunity to play the game or watch it on TV was not as accessible, my passion for soccer never changed. 

Growing up in Phoenix, Arizona, my interests evolved, but one passion that always remained constant was soccer, especially Mexican soccer. 

In 2016, two of the cousins I grew up with shared a desire to attend the 2016 Copa America game between Mexico and Uruguay at State Farm Stadium. This was a dream come true for all three of us, the first time we would experience such a major soccer event together. The game itself was nothing short of magical, with Mexico securing a resounding victory in front of an enthusiastic crowd. Seeing the fans, the Mexican players and my family celebrating together ignited a profound realization within me – I wanted to be part of the world of soccer in a meaningful way. I wanted to share the joy I felt with people who, like me, were ardent followers of Mexican soccer. I wanted to turn this passion into my career. 

Looking to break into the industry, I turned to a close friend who worked as a photographer in the industry for advice. I asked if I could be his assistant or if he could guide me in starting a career in covering the sport. 

What he told me was disheartening. 

He said that I didn’t have what it took to make it in the industry. He described it as long, grueling hours with little pay and recognition, and, most painfully, he told me that I lacked the talent for such a career. Hearing these words from a friend was tough, but it didn’t deter me. I was determined to find another way. 

During the 2019 Gold Cup, I reached out to a social media account that covered Mexican soccer, inquiring if they needed any assistance with event coverage. To my surprise, they replied after a few days, saying they were indeed looking for writers. I proposed an idea for an article on the top 5 memories from the 2019 Gold Cup, which was well-received by the editor, Joe Rodriguez. He welcomed me to the team and provided me with valuable guidance and opportunities. 

Thanks to Joe and the trust he placed in me, I began attending games as media, with my first experience being in San Antonio, covering the match between Mexico and Argentina. Being face-to-face with the players I had watched on TV and having the opportunity to engage with them, asking questions and sharing insights, was surreal. It was an experience I wanted to continue and build upon. 

In 2022, I came across a new company launching in Phoenix called PHNX Sports. I reached out to their Suns beat writer to inquire if they would be covering our local USL Championship team, Phoenix Rising. He directed me to Saul Bookman. 

Saul informed me that they already had some potential candidates in mind to cover the team but offered me a chance to host the PHNX Rising Show and provide weekly coverage of the team on game days. This was a dream come true and an incredible opportunity. 

While this was something I had eagerly anticipated for a long time, it marked my first experience hosting a dedicated sports show. I must admit it was one of the most challenging aspects of my career thus far. Getting the right grasp on the team the league, and fitting in with my co-hosts took me a considerable amount of time. I battled imposter syndrome every time we went live on the show, feeling like the entire world was watching me make mistakes on air. 

Eventually, those feelings subsided, and the experience, as well as the connections I formed, made it all worthwhile. Even though my time with the PHNX team was relatively short, just a year, I’m immensely grateful to Saul, my co-host Owain, and the rest of the team for giving me the opportunity to work with them. 

In the same year, 2022, I embarked on a journey with MLS NEXT Pro, a new league formed by Major League Soccer. I started as a writer, but with the mentorship and guidance of the incredible staff, including Joe Rodriguez and Tyler Snipes, I eventually rose to the position of Senior Website Editor. Working closely with professional clubs on a daily basis has been not only enriching but also eye-opening to the inner workings of the industry. 

In 2023, I teamed up with Juan Urresti to bring Spanish coverage of Phoenix Rising to the airwaves. Collaborating with Phoenix Rising and local radio station La Campesina, we were able to deliver play-by-play commentary for nearly every game of the 2023 season, along with exclusive player and technical staff interviews. My goal for the coming year is to secure a spot for Phoenix Rising on a local Spanish channel so that millions of Spanish-speaking households in the valley can become fans of the club. 

Providing Spanish coverage of my hometown club has been one of the most rewarding projects I’ve ever been a part of, and I’m excited about continuing to offer the best Spanish coverage of the team to the Valley for years to come. 

In some ways, the friend who discouraged me from pursuing a career in the industry was right. It does involve long hours, sometimes with modest pay. However, I believe it’s up to individuals like me and the mentors I’ve had to contribute to positive change in the industry. 

The unwavering support from my family, friends, and especially my girlfriend has been the driving force that propelled me forward. I hope to one day repay their support by securing a place in the industry where I can continue building my dream and helping others break through. 

My story might not be vastly different from others in the industry, but if you’re reading this, I encourage you to look within yourself and recognize that if a kid from Nogales like me can make his way into the industry, so can you. Don’t allow your current circumstances or the opinions of others to deter you from pursuing your dreams because you have the potential to achieve them. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The extensive hours can sometimes separate you from significant family events, which can be difficult. The demands of constant travel can be mentally and physically draining, and at times, the reward for all this effort is simply more work. 

There are instances when you must juggle two or even three jobs concurrently to pay your bills, especially considering the limited budgets with certain assignments. 

It’s not uncommon to encounter rejection when pitching different ideas, and accessibility to clubs and players may be restricted, constraining the type of content you can produce and occasionally resulting in a waste of time. 

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I primarily work in the field of sports coverage, with a focus on soccer. I provide comprehensive coverage of soccer events and teams, specializing in Mexican soccer, MLS NEXT Pro, and the local USL Championship team, Phoenix Rising. 

What I’m known for is my dedication to delivering in-depth content. I have experience hosting sports shows, providing game-day coverage, or writing articles. I take pride in offering a unique perspective and strive to bring the excitement of the game to fans through various media platforms. 

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
I’m happiest when I’m with my loved ones. I also enjoy traveling and exploring new places with my girlfriend. 

People often say that when you truly love your job, it doesn’t feel like work. I feel the same way when I’m covering soccer in different parts of the country. 

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/__donramon/
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ramon-chavez-047ba56b