Fernando Cruz, Burgueno '19 Recruiting Profile

    The day I received a letter, back in my junior year of high school, was the day I knew I had what it took to pursue my dreams as an athlete and entrepreneur. The letter was from my English teacher, Ms. Leggett, who is known for being the hardest and strictest teacher at Cibola High School. She stated how I was showing leadership skills and how my work ethic stood out in class. This letter inspired me more because I knew my passion was noticeable and it was making life more exciting for my future. I am extremely passionate about soccer and entrepreneurship, excelling in these professions would put me in the perfect position to make a positive difference in society. Most of this generation focuses on the social media aspect of life more than their future. That is where I set myself apart from the rest; don’t get me wrong I use to be like that too. Until I had a huge mentality change, which I can undoubtedly say has been the best thing to happen to me. I’m hoping, as a graduating senior, to keep this passionate, dedicated, and focused mentality going as I become a student at a college or university where I will undoubtedly get the best training and education to become a professional soccer player and a successful entrepreneur.

    Many students my age have been left pale-faced and without a response after being asked what they wanted to do in college because of their uncertainty. I, on the other hand, am one hundred percent sure of not one but two professions I want to work in. One of them being becoming an extremely successful entrepreneur and the other being one of the best soccer players in the nation. Before I could even walk I was crawling around the pitch and photographed by a soccer ball, showing my first signs of interest for the sport. Multiple years later I was at those pitches playing for an actual team and only two years into the sport I was getting calls from coaches asking for me for upcoming seasons. My knowledge, heart, and passion for the game was recognized by a traveling team coach when I was nine. When I attended the first practice I found out it was only me and another player, Enrique Zamora, who were nine years old and the rest were eleven. However, this didn’t discourage me so I worked hard for a couple months before receiving news that I was going to be one of the captains of the new U-10 team. I was captain for many years at that club and have been captain as well for my elementary school, middle school, and high school. I’m that player that is always communicating on the pitch and is always trying to keep everyone's heads up to stay motivated no matter the opponent. Throughout my career I have played every single position on the pitch, yes even a goalkeeper. This has given me so many different perspectives of the beautiful game, while allowing me to improve my defensive and attacking skills. As a player I have been told by many coaches that I have amazing vision, extremely accurate passing, dangerous crossing, pinpoint through balls, and powerful shots. Personally, I believe my strongest characteristic is my mentality and passion for the game. While listening to a podcast, I heard an extremely meaningful quote that stated “When you want to succeed as much as you want to breathe, then you'll be successful." With that being said, soccer, entrepreneurship, and oxygen are all equivalent to me in terms of importance.

Lastly, the journey doesn’t end there, in fact it is only the beginning of the real test we are preparing for, life as an adult. As a college graduate I plan to conclude my education with my master’s degree in business. As far as my soccer profession goes I hope to be receiving offers to play for a team at any time during my college career or concluding it. After college I will officially dedicate my time to opening up and running one or more successful businesses.