Nova Southeastern University Athletics

Eric Cruz will return to Nova Southeastern University as Head Baseball Coach beginning in the 2027 season, bringing more than 20 years of coaching, recruiting, player development, scouting, and leadership experience. A former Sharks assistant coach and recruiting coordinator, Cruz returns with a comprehensive vision for continuing NSU's championship tradition while developing exceptional student-athletes on the field, in the classroom, and in the community.

Widely respected throughout the baseball industry, Cruz has built a distinguished career that includes collegiate coaching, Major League Baseball scouting, national team coaching, academic advising, and player evaluation. His extensive experience and deep relationships throughout Florida, Puerto Rico, and the national baseball landscape position him to lead the next chapter of Sharks Baseball.

Return to Nova Southeastern University

Cruz previously served as Assistant Baseball Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at Nova Southeastern University from 2012-2016, helping strengthen one of the nation's premier NCAA Division II baseball programs. As Recruiting Coordinator, he directed all recruiting operations, coordinated campus visits, managed scheduling and logistics, and served as a liaison between student-athletes and academic support services.

On the field, Cruz worked primarily with the Sharks' infielders and baserunners while serving as the team's first base coach. Coach Cruz has developed some of the top infielders in NCAA Division II, including Carlos Asuaje (All-American Gold Glover, San Diego Padres) and the double play combination of Alexander Fernandez (Detroit Tigers)/Jancarlos Cintron-Torres and Dylan Woods. On the base paths, Cruz has coached the top base-stealers in the SSC (Asuaje and Geoff Jimenez) in two of his first four years. In five years, Cruz coached his base runners into the top three in steals in the SSC, including three years of finishing in the top two in team steals.

His return as head coach represents a full-circle moment for both Cruz and the NSU Baseball program. Having previously helped build the foundation of the program's success, he now assumes leadership with a commitment to maintaining championship standards while preparing future generations of Sharks for success beyond baseball.

Professional Baseball Experience

Since December 2016, Cruz has served as an Area Scout for the Arizona Diamondbacks, overseeing amateur scouting operations throughout South Florida and Puerto Rico.

His responsibilities include evaluating high school, junior college, collegiate, and professional players for Major League Baseball draft and acquisition purposes, conducting cross-checking assignments, attending premier showcase events such as Perfect Game National, East Coast Pro, East Cobb, and Florida Diamond Club, and performing extensive background evaluations with players, families, coaches, trainers, and advisors. His experience with professional talent evaluation provides invaluable insight into roster construction, player development, and recruiting at the collegiate level.

National Team Experience

In 2013, Cruz was selected as an Assistant Coach for the USA Baseball 15U National Team. In this role, he assisted in the identification and development of many of the nation's top amateur players while working alongside elite coaches from across the country. The experience enhanced his expertise in talent evaluation, player development, and high-level competition on both national and international stages.

Prior Coaching and Educational Experience

Before joining the NSU coaching staff, Cruz spent nearly a decade at Flanagan High School in Pembroke Pines, Florida, serving as both College Advisor and Assistant Baseball Coach from 2003-2012.

As a college advisor, he guided students and families through the admissions process, presented seminars on college planning, scholarships, financial aid, and FAFSA, and worked closely with school administrators and guidance counselors to support student success. As a baseball coach, he developed infielders and baserunners while helping numerous student-athletes secure collegiate playing opportunities.

Playing Career

Cruz began his collegiate baseball career at Valencia College, where he was a two-year starting shortstop. During his career, he earned Team MVP honors and was named First-Team All-Mid Florida Conference.

He later transferred to Florida International University, where he excelled as a middle infielder, earning First-Team All-Conference honors while playing both shortstop and second base. A dynamic leadoff hitter and baserunner, Cruz established himself as one of the top performers in collegiate baseball during his playing career.

Eric graduated from South Dade Senior HS in Homestead, Fla. in 1986. He played 4 years as a varsity starter at shortstop, compiling a .350 career batting average. He was an All-Dade Honorable Mention selection his junior and senior years.

Leadership Philosophy

Cruz's philosophy is centered on developing the complete student-athlete through accountability, discipline, relationships, and preparation. He believes championship programs are built by recruiting high-character individuals, developing them both athletically and personally, and creating a culture where players take pride in representing their university, teammates, alumni, and community.

His vision for NSU Baseball is to build upon the program's championship tradition by recruiting exceptional student-athletes, competing for conference and national championships, graduating future leaders, and maintaining a culture of excellence that the university, alumni, and South Florida baseball community are proud to support.

Family

Eric and his wife, Marie, an elementary school teacher, reside in Pembroke Pines, Florida.