Born: April 24, 1971 in San Fernando, California
California Lutheran University, B.A. (Physical Education) 1993
California Lutheran University, Teaching Credential 2000
California Lutheran University, M.Ed. (Teaching) 2003
Willie Ruiz was an outstanding High School, College and Professional soccer player.
High School:
From 1986 through 1989 Willie guided his team to the 1989 Marmonte League Championship and to the quarter-finals of the CIF twice. He was honored as 1989 Midfield Player of the Year, 1st Team All Marmonte League, 3rd Team All-CIF, numerous All-Tournament selections and in 1989 was All-County All Star.
College:
At California Lutheran University (1990-1993)
1990: 2nd Team All-GSAC; 1st Team All-West Regional All-America; Offensive Player of the Year; Leading Goal Scorer (14), and Points (30), and a NAIA tournament berth.
1991: 1st Team All-SCIAC; 1st Team All-West Regional All-America; Offensive Player of the Year; Leading Goal Scorer (21) and Assists (5). NCAA tournament (lost in 1st round to UC San Diego 3 to 2, who won the NCAA championship and only player and team to score against UCSD in the tournament); Finished ranked nationally #7. Invited player to participate in the National Pool for Southern California.
1992: 1st Team All-SCIAC; 1st Team All-West Regional All-America; Leading Assists (6) and NCAA tournament berth, losing in Regional Finals to Colorado College (Sweet 16).
1993: 1st Team All-SCIAC; 1st Team All Regional All-America; 2nd Team All-American, Midfield Player of the Year, Leader in assists (15).
CLU Soccer Records:
He currently holds records for most goals by a freshman (14), most goals by a sophomore (21), all-time leader in goals (58), all-time leader in assists in a season (1 5), all-time leader in points (144), most assists in a game (4) and second all-time assists (28).
Professional Career:
In 1990 was invited to train in Mexico with Club Deportivo Guadalajara Chivas. In 1997 he was drafted by the C.I.S.L. Arizona Sandsharks (1st round, 4th pick). He played professionally for the Dallas Sidekicks.
Achievements:
Willie has over 15 years coaching experience in soccer camps, high school, college and youth clubs and has guided players to All-League, All-CIF, All-Regional and college careers. He is presently a physical education teacher at E.O. Green Jr. High School in the Port Hueneme Unified School District. Also serves on the Church Council at Newheart Foursquare Church in Simi Valley.
Mr. Ruiz is married to Cecilia and they have two young children, Yashin and Kiara.