With a nickname like "Kamikaze," it isn’t hard to believe that Coach David Cruz is a man
without fear. His personal courage is not a result of arrogance, however, but rather of the faith he has that
Christ will always direct his path.
This past summer, God opened an opportunity for Cruz to travel to Cuba on a mission trip thanks to the help of some Academy colleagues. "I had a blessed time and shared my faith with the Cuban people," Cruz said.
While in Cuba, Cruz worked with members of a local church, teaching English to them as well as to people from off the streets who were later invited to join the church. "I was also involved with street kids playing soccer and later on invited them to join the youth group," Cruz said.
Cruz said he hopes that he can make the trip again next year if resources are available. "There is a lot of poverty in Cuba and a lot of needs," Cruz said, "but the gospel is reaching out."
Currently an assistant dorm director, substitute teacher and coach at San Marcos Academy, Cruz was born in the Yucatan Peninsula. He was invited to play baseball at the age of 12 and made the state team in just a few months. Baseball became part of his life for the next five years, as his team made several trips to national tournaments.
A brief stint with the Cincinnati Reds farm team in Arizona followed. While the manager said he might have a shot at the big leagues, the 17-year-old Cruz said he was ready to move on and get an education.
He did that at Pinebrook Junior College in Pennsylvania, where he played not only baseball but also soccer. As a striker, he received MVP honors and was high scorer for the team.
With his associates’ degree in hand, Cruz headed back to Mexico to play in the Mexican baseball league. He also joined the farm team for the Yucatan Lions, a professional team in Mexico, but he didn’t make it to the next level. Cruz took it all in stride. "It was not an easy life," Cruz said. "There were a lot of drugs around; people knew me as the Christian man; I tried to preach the gospel when I could."
Switching over to soccer, Cruz played with a semi-pro team for a couple of years in Mexico, but again, never made it to the majors. But he did recognize the power of sports as a way to reach troubled youth. He became involved in a Christian sports camp ministry in Mexico known as "Word of Life," a ministry he has continued for the last 21 years.
God led Cruz to San Marcos Academy when he noticed an ad on Craig’s List. Working in Pennsylvania at the time, Cruz was eager to be in Texas where he has relatives, so he answered the ad. "I really needed to change jobs," Cruz said. “God told me to check Craig’s List and I found the Academy ad. I got the job without having a physical interview since I was so far away, so I know it was divine intervention.”
Cruz said working at SMA has been a real blessing. "People have really treated me well," Cruz said. "From part time, I’ve become full time and the blessings keep coming. I love this place, and I’ve met wonderful people here."
Having always dreamed of being a teacher, Cruz said he eventually hopes to pursue his teaching certificate. But meanwhile, he spends his time sharing Christ with young people through his love of sports. "I keep my body as a temple of the Holy Spirit," Cruz said. "I can still run and play, thanks to God. My message to young people is to trust the Lord. I tell them that God will be with them whatever they do. I got the nickname "Kamikaze" because I was fearless, but only because I know God is beside me. He has picked me up whenever I have fallen and I know he will never forsake me."
This past summer, God opened an opportunity for Cruz to travel to Cuba on a mission trip thanks to the help of some Academy colleagues. "I had a blessed time and shared my faith with the Cuban people," Cruz said.
While in Cuba, Cruz worked with members of a local church, teaching English to them as well as to people from off the streets who were later invited to join the church. "I was also involved with street kids playing soccer and later on invited them to join the youth group," Cruz said.
Cruz said he hopes that he can make the trip again next year if resources are available. "There is a lot of poverty in Cuba and a lot of needs," Cruz said, "but the gospel is reaching out."
Currently an assistant dorm director, substitute teacher and coach at San Marcos Academy, Cruz was born in the Yucatan Peninsula. He was invited to play baseball at the age of 12 and made the state team in just a few months. Baseball became part of his life for the next five years, as his team made several trips to national tournaments.
A brief stint with the Cincinnati Reds farm team in Arizona followed. While the manager said he might have a shot at the big leagues, the 17-year-old Cruz said he was ready to move on and get an education.
He did that at Pinebrook Junior College in Pennsylvania, where he played not only baseball but also soccer. As a striker, he received MVP honors and was high scorer for the team.
With his associates’ degree in hand, Cruz headed back to Mexico to play in the Mexican baseball league. He also joined the farm team for the Yucatan Lions, a professional team in Mexico, but he didn’t make it to the next level. Cruz took it all in stride. "It was not an easy life," Cruz said. "There were a lot of drugs around; people knew me as the Christian man; I tried to preach the gospel when I could."
Switching over to soccer, Cruz played with a semi-pro team for a couple of years in Mexico, but again, never made it to the majors. But he did recognize the power of sports as a way to reach troubled youth. He became involved in a Christian sports camp ministry in Mexico known as "Word of Life," a ministry he has continued for the last 21 years.
God led Cruz to San Marcos Academy when he noticed an ad on Craig’s List. Working in Pennsylvania at the time, Cruz was eager to be in Texas where he has relatives, so he answered the ad. "I really needed to change jobs," Cruz said. “God told me to check Craig’s List and I found the Academy ad. I got the job without having a physical interview since I was so far away, so I know it was divine intervention.”
Cruz said working at SMA has been a real blessing. "People have really treated me well," Cruz said. "From part time, I’ve become full time and the blessings keep coming. I love this place, and I’ve met wonderful people here."
Having always dreamed of being a teacher, Cruz said he eventually hopes to pursue his teaching certificate. But meanwhile, he spends his time sharing Christ with young people through his love of sports. "I keep my body as a temple of the Holy Spirit," Cruz said. "I can still run and play, thanks to God. My message to young people is to trust the Lord. I tell them that God will be with them whatever they do. I got the nickname "Kamikaze" because I was fearless, but only because I know God is beside me. He has picked me up whenever I have fallen and I know he will never forsake me."
(Click on a picture to enlarge)
