Adam Santa Cruz defined what it means to be a student-athlete during his time at the University of La Verne. Now, he’s helping current student-athletes find the same success he did.
Santa Cruz dealt with two abbreviated seasons due to COVID-19 while at La Verne but still excelled on the field and academically. A catcher for the Leopard baseball team for four seasons, he earned about every on-field award he could and attained a bachelor’s and master’s degree while at La Verne.
His multiple All-SCIAC and All-Region selections reflected his talents on the field. His SCIAC All-Academic, Dean’s List, and President’s List honors recognized his determination in the classroom. His SCIAC Baseball Character Award celebrated his leadership and kindness to others.
Santa Cruz embraces the challenges he faced collegiately and attributes them to his success.
“Being an athlete at La Verne means you had to go through Coach Durant’s lifts with your teammates. Those early morning conditionings and assault bike workouts are some of my fondest memories. Although they were difficult at the time, being able to overcome something like that with your teammates was something I will always be grateful for,” said Santa Cruz.
“I truly appreciate being coached by [La Verne baseball head coach] Scott Winterburn. He helped me mature and taught me life lessons I didn’t even know existed. The program that he has developed throughout the years does not only make you a better ball player but a better person. He is the person who truly taught me what it meant to be a Leo.”
Santa Cruz has taken the lessons coach Winterburn taught him and now gets to apply them in his collegiate coaching career. He was the head baseball coach at Victor Valley College from 2022-23 and is in his second season as head softball coach at Victor Valley.
He is forever tied to La Verne outside of academics and athletics, now recently engaged to former La Verne softball catcher Toni Lozano.
“La Verne taught me so many crucial things, introduced me to some of my closest friends, and presented me with the woman I will happily enjoy the rest of my life with. I am so grateful to be able to share this experience and wish anyone who becomes a Leo a beautiful experience like mine,” added Santa Cruz.
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