Dani Cruz, a redshirt junior midfielder from Malaga, Spain, has been honored as the First Century Bank Scholar-Athlete of the Week for his significant contributions on and off the field at Lincoln Memorial University. He played a critical role in leading the men's soccer team to the South Atlantic Conference championship in 2025 and to NCAA tournament appearances in 2024 and 2025. Cruz excels academically, maintaining a 3.924 GPA and earning numerous accolades, including a spot on the Dean's List for seven consecutive semesters and recognition as a Magna Cum Laude graduate. His community service efforts reflect his commitment beyond athletics, contributing time at a local elementary school and dog shelter. Overall, Cruz symbolizes the balance of athletic dedication and academic excellence.

By the Numbers
  • Cruz has played in 48 career games, starting 28 of them.
  • He logged 2667 total minutes of play and recorded 27 shots during his active seasons.
Yes, But

While Cruz's athletic achievements are noteworthy, his academic and community service accomplishments provide a more comprehensive view of his collegiate experience, demonstrating the importance of well-rounded development in student-athletes.

State of Play
  • Cruz is set to graduate this spring, receiving Magna Cum Laude honors.
  • His involvement in community service has fostered meaningful connections within the Harrogate community.
What's Next

As Cruz graduates, he aims to leverage his education in Management Information Systems while potentially continuing his contributions to soccer and community initiatives.

Bottom Line

Dani Cruz's journey exemplifies the ideal student-athlete, merging athletic brilliance with academic achievement and community service, setting a standard for current and future students at Lincoln Memorial University.