Isabella Cruz:Became Her Hometown's First Division I Soccer Player, Now Building a Future for Latina Athletes
Nominated by DRAFTED
The Kerman, California, native finished her Cal State Fullerton career as one of the Big West’s most decorated players while completing two degrees and carrying her Mexican roots into every space she entered.
Before Isabella Cruz became one of Cal State Fullerton’s most accomplished soccer players, she was a young girl from Kerman, California, dreaming beyond what she had seen in her hometown.
She became the first girl from Kerman to play Division I soccer. At Fullerton, she turned that opportunity into a career defined by consistency, leadership and impact.
Cruz became only the fifth player in Titans history to earn three All-Big West First Team selections and the 18th player in conference history to receive the honor three times. She was also named to the United Soccer Coaches All-West Region Third Team in 2024.
During her final season, the forward and midfielder led the Big West with 19 points, tied for the conference lead with seven goals and finished with five game-winning goals. She closed her final regular-season match by scoring both goals in a 2-0 victory over Cal State Bakersfield.
Her impact extended beyond the field.
Cruz served as a team captain and represented the program on Cal State Fullerton’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. In 2025, she was selected as one of the Big West’s nominees for NCAA Woman of the Year.
She also completed her bachelor’s degree in communications in just two and a half years, graduating summa cum laude with a 3.9 GPA, before earning her master’s degree in Professional Communications.
Through every milestone, her Mexican identity remained central.
“My two greatest passions are being Latina and being in sports,” Cruz says. “As a Latina athlete, seeing that level of representation means everything to me.”
Being the first girl from my hometown to play Division I soccer showed me what’s possible. More than that, it taught me that where you come from doesn’t define your limits.
Player Card
- Hometown: Kerman, California
- Roots: Mexico
- College: Cal State Fullerton
- Position: Forward and midfielder
- Career recognition: Three-time All-Big West First Team selection
- Education: Master’s in Professional Communications
The Bigger Picture
Cruz arrived at Cal State Fullerton as the first girl from her hometown to reach Division I soccer. She left as a three-time all-conference player, team captain and graduate-degree holder.
Her career widened the picture of what a Latina athlete from a small California town can become.
Now, as she pursues opportunities beyond college, Cruz is carrying that example forward and making the path easier to see for the next girl from a community like hers.
