Bio

MAX CRUZ joined the women’s soccer program as an assistant coach in July 2022. He arrived at OLLU after coaching at Western Texas College (WTC) in Snyder, Texas, and Snyder High School for two years.

Cruz was the men’s assistant coach at WTC from November 2020 to June 2022. His duties included filming tactical sessions, coaching sessions, preparing individual trainings, leading recruiting prospects and preparing soccer camps. He was also the head coach for the men’s team at Snyder High School. He managed travel budgets, taught soccer tactics and developed athletes’ skills and behaviors.

Prior to coaching at WTC, Cruz was an assistant coach at NCAA D2 Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) in Laredo, Texas, from 2018-2019. Cruz created scouting reports of opponents, organized community service opportunities and created study hall hours and sessions. In addition to coaching the Dust Devils, he was an assistant coach and strength training coach for the Laredo Heat. The Heat compete in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL), which is comprised of paid players and amateurs. Cruz guided warm up sessions, instructed recovery sessions and assisted with film. He also coached the Laredo Heat Youth Academy teams which range from six to 16 years old.

The Del Rio, Texas, native started his soccer coaching career with the men’s and women’s soccer programs at Martin High School in Laredo before coaching at TAMIU. His tasks were similar to those at the Laredo Heat and Snyder High School. Cruz earned his teaching education for EC-12 and his coaching education through the United States Soccer Federation (USSF). His coaching recognitions include High School Soccer Coach of the Year from 2020-2022, NJCAA D1 Men’s Coaching Staff of the Year in 2022 and appearances in the NCJAA D1 Men’s National Tournament from 2021-2022. Cruz played semi-professional soccer at Cloud Community College, Laredo Community College and TAMIU. He played for Del Rio High School, as well.