Sebastian Cruz '25 Recruiting Profile

Soccer gives me the most joy, hence my goal is to play at the highest level possible. For that matter I transitioned from Rec to travel, to club, reaching MLS Next with Beachside, and now with CFC North in the ECNL league. My target is to play at the college level at an institution with not only a solid soccer program, but also with a high academic level (I currently take AP and honor courses at Staples). What I bring to the table is leadership, passion, speed, technical ability and adaptability: I can play left/right wing, CAM, and either of the full back positions.  I consider myself a leader on and off the field (having captained my freshman team at Staples to the top of the division) but recognizing that soccer is a team sport, thus we all need to adapt and do for what is best for the collective. I also believe in giving back and to make a difference in the world, hence why I spend time in charitable and community service activities.  

I consider myself a fast player, and I often make use of my speed to get past defenders to find teammates in scoring positions inside the box. I usually have as many assists per season as goals scored as a result. Since I truly love the sport, I watch it often. I believe that watching the sport is crucial to improve your game I.Q. and become a strategic thinker on the field. That is why I also feel comfortable playing in mid field.

While I love the sport, there is more to life than soccer. I try to apply the same principles I follow in the sport to school by taking on as many challenges I can bear and following a rigorous course load. In addition, I perform community service in various ways: currently as fundraising chair for SLOBS (Staples League of Boys), and by volunteering as a Spanish translator for immigrants in search of residence documentation. In addition, I started an initiative to bring soccer to under privileged kids in Puerto Rico, where my parents grew up.  

I envision taking yet the next step in my soccer career by joining a soccer program within a strong academic environment, where I can be able to not only develop further as a player, but also as a future leader of the community. I believe that the qualities that allow me to be successful in soccer (dedication, discipline, team mentality) will also prove essential in the next stages of my life. I look forward to the next chapter in my soccer/academic life and can't wait to see what life brings next.