Major: Business Management
Hometown: Mission Hills, CA
Career Highlights: Four-time letter winner for Men's Soccer; 2019 Team Captain
Biography: Ruiz came to USF from Southern California where he earned a strong reputation as a youth club player and was an integral member of the United States Youth national teams, having represented his country at the U15, U16, U17 and U18 levels. On the Hilltop, he scored his first career goal vs Stanford in 2016. He notched the tying goal in the 88th minute vs San Diego State in 2017, and had the assist on the game-winning goal versus UC Irvine, also in 2017. He assisted the game-winning goal vs UCLA in 2018. He was named team captain as a senior in 2019.
Why Ruiz Chose USF: “I chose USF because one door closed for me and another opened. Originally, USF wasn't where I was supposed to be headed but after one plan fell through, USF's door opened. I had some old teammates already at USF and was fairly familiar with the coach at the time and in a few simple words; it just made sense."
Favorite USF Memories: “The memories made with my teammates are without a doubt what I will cherish and miss the most. Going through hell and back with my teammates day in and day out is something I will never forget. Spring seasons were the worst and I can tell you, never have I ever seen so many grown men throwing up at one time like during those times, but we all got through it together. I really enjoyed road games, because traveling with the guys and bonding whether it was at the hotel or team dinners or even team walks, these were the moments that made me really look around me and say "Wow, we truly are one big family." The bus trips were always another nice time to bond but sometimes it wasn't safe to fall asleep with your mouth open (at least in my case) because you may just end up with a mouth full of peanuts and the rest of the bus laughing at you (all out of love though). Something I enjoyed about road trips, was getting to see the sites of other states and the privilege to be there doing what I absolutely love to do. These little moments are what truly brought my teammates and I extremely close and what made it so easy to call all these people my family."
The USF Student-Athlete Experience: “The best thing about being a student-athlete is being able to go onto your schools field and battle not only for you, for your family, and for your friends, but, also for all the people who walk that campus with you who also represent that USF crest.”
Life After USF: Ruiz had hoped to pursue a career in professional soccer, but opportunities were limited following graduation due to the pandemic. Ruiz has turned his interests to music.
