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Joshua Cruz enters his first season as the Head Baseball Coach at Paine College, bringing with him a unique blend of international playing experience, leadership, and a passion for developing student-athletes on and off the field.

An alumnus of Paine College, Cruz was a standout during his playing career as team captain and a two-time All-Region selection in his final two seasons. His success as a Lion, both on the field and in the clubhouse, laid the foundation for his leadership style and commitment to building a winning culture.

After graduation, Cruz expanded his playing career internationally, competing in Australia and Europe, where he helped lead teams to championships while also coaching and mentoring players of all ages.

Cruz’s coaching philosophy emphasizes discipline, growth, and accountability, centered on the principle of “Compete Every Day.” He is Driveline Hitting Certified and is committed to blending modern player development tools with strong fundamentals to maximize performance.

Beyond the diamond, Cruz is dedicated to mentoring his players as leaders and role models, preparing them for success in life after baseball. His international perspective, Paine College pride, and relentless energy position him to guide the Lions into a new era of excellence.