AFTER NATIONAL TITLE, DONAN CRUZ TAKES ON WOMEN’S BYU SQUAD

By Patrick Lujan

Volleyball coach Donan Cruz continues to make his mark in the national volleyball scene.

The Inalahan native is no stranger to volleyball coaching success. The past month, however, has been nothing short of euforic.

After helping the Hawaii Rainbows win the NCAA men’s volleyball national championship as an assistant coach just a short month ago, Coach Cruz is marching along an already-impressive coaching resume.

Earlier today, Cruz announced that he’s joining the BYU Cougars women’s team as the associate head coach. All the while, leading Team USA’s U21 men’s squad.

BYU’s new associate head coach Donan Cruz

GSPN caught up with Coach Cruz about the three big milestones happening almost concurrently.

On Winning the Natty

Winning a National Championship this season with UH was incredible. It was really a dream come true to earn a National Championship. Growing up, UH men’s volleyball was my biggest inspiration to want to play the game. It then led to coaching and to be alongside Coach Wade and Coach Fey, it was quite epic. The team was such a joy to be around and the fans are truly the best in the country. I will absolutely miss being back home (Hawai’i home) because it is such a special place to be, but it couldnt have ended any better than a Natty.

On Moving on to BYU

Since leaving Ball State, my ultimate goal was to create a path to get back to coaching women’s volleyball. The momentum and excitement around the women’s game in the NCAA has been exciting to follow and it’s something I wanted to be a part of. BYU is an amazing opportunity that aligned with the type of coaching experience I wanted for my family and I. It is exciting to join an athletic department that is creating such unique and competitive student-athlete experiences. The Big 12 Conference is playing volleyball at a high level and I am exicted for the challenge and journey ahead.

On Leading the USA U21 Team

I arrive to the Olympic & Paralympic Training Center in two days to help lead the U21 Men’s National Team as the Head Coach of the program. This is my first international competition as a Head Coach so this is the ultimate honor to serve in this role for the National Team Program.

We are preparing for international competition in Guatemala starting June 22nd. We have an amazing staff and team for this training group where we will select the top 14 athletes to represent Team USA at the Pan American Cup Championship.

There are certainly future Olympians on this roster and I am just blessed and honored to play a role with Team USA.

From the outside courts of Inalahan Community Center to leading top collegiate programs and Team USA, Coach Cruz continues to make Guam proud.