We are BACK with our Coach of the Month feature! We’ll be featuring coaches from all ASA programs to learn more about their backgrounds and stories. We are excited to highlight Coach Jonathan Cruz this month!
What programs do you coach at ASA and how long have you been coaching with our club?
I coach in the Academy program (2011 Boys Red & 2015 Girls White) and I coach Futsal ID. This is going to be my third year coaching at ASA.
When did you begin coaching? What got you interested?
I began coaching for in ASA’s Futsal League while in college, and slowly started getting more involved with other programs such as Junior Academy. I began coaching for the Academy after I graduated college in 2021. After I finished playing in college, I wanted to stay around the game and the the opportunity came up to start coaching at ASA and I have enjoyed it ever since.
What is one of your favorite things about coaching for ASA?
My favorite thing about ASA is how welcoming everyone is at the club! They have really supported me and there have been great people at the club that have helped me improve and grow as a coach.
Where did you grow up and what’s your favorite soccer memory from your childhood?
I was born and raised in Washington DC. My favorite soccer memory is winning the US Futsal national tournament in memory of my former youth coach who passed away before we went to the tournament.
When you’re not coaching what do you like to do in your free time?
I like spending time with my family and friends, I am very family oriented so when I’m not at my full-time job or the soccer fields, I am with my family.
Who’s your soccer hero and why?!
My soccer hero is Iker Casillas Being a goalie, I always tried to emulate his playing style and he was one of the best keepers of his time.
And finally….give us one fun fact about yourself. 🙂
My family is from El Salvador!
