Harrogate, TN -- Lincoln Memorial men's soccer redshirt junior midfielder Dani Cruz has been named the First Century Bank Scholar-Athlete of the Week. A native of Malaga, Spain, Cruz has been a vital part of the Railsplitter men's soccer program for four years, contributing to a period of significant success for the team. During his tenure, he helped lead the Railsplitters to the 2025 South Atlantic Conference championship and played a key role in consecutive NCAA tournament appearances in 2024 and 2025.
Beyond his contributions on the pitch, Cruz has established an elite academic record at Lincoln Memorial University. He maintains a 3.924 grade point average while pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Management Information Systems. His academic excellence has earned him a spot on the Dean's List for seven consecutive semesters, and he was recently named to the 2025 College Sports Communicators Division II Academic All-District Team. Upon his graduation this spring, Cruz will be recognized with Magna Cum Laude honors and will be inducted into the Chi Alpha Sigma national honor society for student athletes.
Cruz has also demonstrated a strong commitment to community service throughout his time in Harrogate. He has dedicated his time to reading to children at Ellen Myers Elementary School in 2023, 2024, and 2025. Additionally, he participated in community service efforts at a local dog shelter in 2025. His well-rounded collegiate career includes recognition on the 2024-25 South Atlantic Conference Commissioner's Honor Roll and the D2 ADA Academic Achievement Award, underscoring his dedication to both his studies and his community.
On the soccer field, Cruz has been a consistent presence in the Railsplitter lineup, appearing in 48 career games with 28 starts. Throughout his three active seasons, he logged 2667 total minutes of play and recorded 27 shots. His most productive offensive season came in 2023 when he tallied a goal and two assists for a total of four points. Throughout his career, he has remained a reliable midfielder, culminating in a senior campaign where he started thirteen matches and helped secure a conference title for the university.
