Andrea Cruz. Photo by brandondelane.com.
By Joan Frances –
Andrea Cruz, a senior at Foster High School, has achieved unprecedented success in athletics, academics and community service. Andrea is a varsity athlete in multiple sports, a National Honor Society student and will graduate with double honor cords for her community service. She is a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes and has been privileged to compete in state playoffs as a varsity player in both soccer and volleyball since her sophomore year. Andrea is an asset as defensive specialist on the volleyball court and is a dominant all-around player on the soccer field. She was nominated for Academic All District in both varsity soccer and varsity volleyball.
“The memories my teammates and I have shared together will always be something I hold close to my heart,” said Andrea. “They have truly been a second family throughout my Foster High School years, and I would not trade this blessing for anything.”
Andrea’s favorite teacher is her volleyball Coach Brittany Martin. “She always reminds me to stay true to my faith and never take opportunities for granted. Coach Martin has inspired me to be consistent in my abilities as an athlete. She is truly a blessing in my life and a huge part of who I am as a successful Foster High School senior.”
Andrea competes in club soccer, and her West Houston soccer team won the Labor Day Championship Tournament. Andrea’s leadership abilities are clearly defined through her tough, competitive nature and ability to inspire her teammates. “Being a leader is fulfilling because it gives me the chance to motivate and empower my teammates. I try my best to uplift everybody around me, because being a leader is something I am passionate about.”
At just 16 years-old, Andrea has dedicated countless hours to serving children in her local community and traveling around the continent to serve humanity. For the last three years, Andrea has committed an entire week of her summer to volunteer at the faith-based Royal Family Kids Camp (RFKC) in Dickinson, Texas. She loves the opportunity to be a positive influence on these adorable children who are wards of the state through foster care. This past summer at RFKC, she met Team USA 2006 Gold Medalist Chad Hendrick. Andrea told the Olympian, “I am going to have a gold medal one day when I play for the USA women’s soccer team.” Hendrick encouraged her to strive for her goals and “dream big.”
Andrea often volunteers in children’s ministry at Parkway Fellowship and taught four-year-olds in this summer’s Vacation Bible School. She also traveled to South Africa to learn the culture, share the love of Jesus and assist residents in squatter camps. The main value Andrea lives by is faith. “Having faith in everything I do allows me to portray my values when serving others. I have shown this conviction by volunteering with children in my community, mentoring foster kids and sharing Jesus with children in South Africa.”
Andrea plans to major in wellness and nutrition at Mississippi State University (MSU). She hopes to play soccer at MSU and return to South Africa for an internship in 2018. Congratulations on your undeniable faith, athletic talent and passion for serving others Andrea, and good luck as you start the next chapter of your life.