Cruz Castillo joined the Sports Medicine team at Johnson C. Smith University in 2023, bringing a diverse background in collegiate, youth, and professional development athletics. As a bilingual, Certified Athletic Trainer, Cruz provides primary coverage for Football, Softball, and Tennis, and supports student-athlete care through injury prevention, rehabilitation, and emergency response. His work is guided by a deep commitment to athlete health and high-performance environments.
Cruz earned both his Master of Science in Athletic Training and his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Appalachian State University, where he also served as a Graduate Assistant to the MSAT Athletic Director. During his time at App State, he gained extensive clinical experience through immersive and specialized rotations with high schools, college teams, outpatient clinics, and EMS providers.
In addition to his role at JCSU, Cruz is the founder of Victory Athletic Training, a North Carolina-based company providing sideline care and sports medicine coverage at elite events. His work has included partnerships with USA Field Hockey, USA Rugby, Real Madrid Foundation Clinics, and the NC Youth Soccer Association, reflecting his passion for supporting athletes at every level.
Fluent in Spanish and deeply committed to athlete advocacy, Cruz values connection as much as care. Whether on the field or in the training room, he prioritizes clear communication, cultural sensitivity, and a patient-centered approach to help student-athletes perform and recover at their best.
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