Ramona attended Schurr High School in Montebello, California. In 1979, she placed 3rd in CIF California State Meet, throwing the 8 Lb. Shot 47' 5¼". Not only was that the third best in the competition, it was the third best in state history (in the 6 years that weight was thrown). The weight was changed to 4 Kg the following year.[1]
Her next school was Long Beach State, where she met and married UCLA and former Fullerton High School thrower Kent Pagel. He coached her throughout her career. She left LBSU in 1982 and transferred to San Diego State University, where she would ultimately complete her studies. Through her career, she was ranked in the top 10 American shot putters 16 years in a row, from 1981-1996, including the No. 1 ranking from 1985-1989.[2] She also spent 8 years on the American Discus list,[3] until back problems caused her to choose to focus on her best event.