HONOLULU – Former University of Hawai'i linebacker Victor Santa Cruz has been named as the Rainbow Warriors new defensive coordinator, head coach Todd Graham announced.
 
Santa Cruz has been a fixture at Azusa Pacific, where he spent 19 years, including the last 14 as head coach and is the school's winningest coach with an overall record of 84-69. Since 2013, he led APU to four Great Northwest Athletic Conference championships and two NCAA Division II playoff appearances.
 
"Coach Victor Santa Cruz is one of the most respected men I know in college coaching," Graham said. "The wealth of knowledge and integrity he brings to our program as a leader will have a huge impact. Fired up to welcome him to our Hawai'i football family."
 
Santa Cruz was a four-year letterman for the Rainbow Warriors from 1991-94, tallying 139 tackles (83 solo) during his career. After redshirting in 1990, he played in 46 games over the next four seasons. As a sophomore in 1992, he was a member of the Western Athletic Conference championship team that defeated Illinois in the Holiday Bowl, capping a then-program record 11-win season. In 2017, that team was inducted into the school's Sports Circle of Honor. 
 
A loyal alumnus, Santa Cruz helped to coordinate the Rainbow Warriors' Pro Day from 2016-18 on the APU campus. 
 
Over the last decade, Santa Cruz guided the program's transition to Division II. The Cougars have eight winning seasons including back-to-back 10-win seasons and GNAC titles in 2013 and 2014. APU added two more conference titles in 2016 and 2018, along with NCAA playoff appearances both seasons.
 
Prior to moving to Division II, Santa Cruz was recognized as the NAIA Independent Coach of the Year in 2010 and 2011, the latter of which the Cougars finished ranked No. 5 nationally. He spent the first five seasons at APU as an assistant coach, joining the program as offensive coordinator from 2001-03 then moving to defensive coordinator for 2004-05 before being named the ninth head coach in 2006.
 
The Santa Cruz File
Hometown: Vista, Calif.
Alma Mater: BA, Hawai'i (1995); MS, Azusa Pacific (2010)
Family: Wife Jamie and children Victor, Jr., Izabella, Levi
 
Coaching Experience
1996-2000: El Camino High School, Assistant Coach
2001-03: Azusa Pacific, Offensive Coordinator
2004-05: Azusa Pacific, Defensive Coordinator
2006-19: Azusa Pacific, Head Coach