FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – After five and a half years as the assistant coach of the NSU baseball team, Eric Cruz has stepped down to accept a position with Major League Baseball's Arizona Diamondbacks as an area scout. Cruz will cover the South Florida area from Key West to Fort Myers to Fort Pierce and back down through Broward and Miami-Dade.
 
"I believe that you can measure a coach's success on the impact they make," said head coach Greg Brown. "Eric Cruz's impact is synonymous with the success of the NSU Baseball program now and for years to come. His development of our student-athletes, ability to recruit, and his ability to cultivate authentic relationships are what make him special. The Arizona Diamondbacks have hired a difference maker and I am forever grateful for Cruz's friendship and guidance as WE built a championship program."
 
Cruz was hired in the fall of 2011 and has been an integral part of building the NSU Baseball program to the caliber that it is today. During his time at NSU, Cruz has coached in three South Region appearances (2012, 2015, 2016), won a Sunshine State Conference Championship in 2015, and ended his NSU coaching career by winning 2016 NCAA Division II National Championship.

"I thank his wife Marie for being a big part of our journey and I am grateful for all of the sacrifices to let Eric be the amazing mentor to me and especially our players," added Brown. "NSU is better because of him. I am better because of him. And most importantly, our student-athletes are better because of him. Thank you Cruz, I am forever indebted to you."
 
One of the most respected recruiting coordinators in the country, Cruz leaves behind a legacy that will not soon be forgotten. Known to his players and colleagues as "Cruzy," he was able to bring a number of highly talented players to NSU including the likes of Justin Garcia and Brandon Gomez. Prior to his arrival at NSU, Cruz played an essential role in helping the Sharks sign Detroit Tigers' outfielder and MLB All-Star J.D. Martinez.
 
Cruz's first signee at NSU and 2016 National Champion, Kavan Thompson, had this to say about Cruz and what he meant to the NSU Baseball program:
 
"Cruzie is the most genuine man I have ever met. He has an unfathomable grasp on the firm ground between being your best friend and being your mentor.  The countless learning experiences I've been blessed to have from Cruz have shaped me into the man I am, and I couldn't be prouder. There is so much passion in everything he does. He taught me that no matter what is happening, to control what you can control and to enjoy life. I cannot express enough how much of an impact Cruzy has made on my life. Such a great man deserves great things and I wish the best to him in his future endeavors!"
 
On behalf of the entire NSU baseball program, we would like to thank Eric Cruz for everything that he has done and meant to this program and we look forward to seeing him in the stands at the NSU Baseball Complex with a stopwatch and a clipboard for many seasons to come!