Willie Cruz

Willie Cruz, MS, FAFS, CSCS, RSCC, FRCms, currently serves as the Chief Officer of Education, Engagement, and Events for the National Basketball Strength & Conditioning Coaches Association since April 2022, while also holding the position of Director of Strength and Conditioning for the Houston Rockets since June 2019. Cruz has previously worked as the Athletic Performance Coordinator for the Oklahoma City Thunder and directed men's basketball strength and conditioning at Fordham University and Eastern Kentucky University. Cruz's expertise lies in implementing training methodologies focused on strength and power development, analyzing data for coaching enhancement, and collaborating with sports medicine for injury prevention. Cruz holds a Master’s Degree in Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management from Fordham Gabelli School of Business, a degree in Exercise Science from Edith Cowan University, and a Bachelor of Science in Sports Management from Eastern Kentucky University.