Miguel Ruiz was named the head coach of the Cal Lutheran men's soccer team in the summer of 2018. Before being named head coach of the Kingsmen, the Simi Valley native had spent about 10 years coaching both men's and women's soccer.
Throughout his tenure at Cal Lutheran, Ruiz has guided the Kingsmen to four consecutive SCIAC Tournament appearances (2021-24) while developing standout student-athletes both on and off the field. Under his leadership, Tyler Sherard earned 2022 SCIAC Defensive Player of the Year honors before being named a United Soccer Coaches All-West Region selection in 2023, Shaw Nishizawa was recognized as the 2025 SCIAC Newcomer of the Year, and Kane Reese earned First Team All-SCIACÂ honors before beginning his professional career in Germany. Ruiz also coached Dorian Darghali, who was named both the January 2026 CalHOPE Courage Award recipient and the organization's 2026 overall male Courage Award winner for his leadership and advocacy surrounding student-athlete mental health. Overall, Ruiz has mentored 11 All-SCIAC selections during his time leading the Kingsmen.
Born in Colombia, Ruiz moved to Simi Valley, California, when he was nine years old. He grew up with soccer, referring to it as a "way of life." It only made sense to turn his passion and love for the game into a career in coaching.
After playing two years at Moorpark College, where he anchored the defensive back line, Ruiz moved to Kansas and became an assistant coach at Kansas Wesleyan, working with both the men's and women's teams. His successful seasons helped guide the Coyotes to conference titles in 2007 and 2008, while the women's team also qualified for the NAIA National Tournament for the first time in program history. During his time at Kansas Wesleyan, Ruiz earned his bachelor's degree in physical education before pursuing a master's degree in sports management from Southern New Hampshire University.
Ruiz returned to California in 2009 and joined the Cal State Northridge women's soccer coaching staff. He volunteered during his first year with the Matadors before continuing on the staff through 2015. Ruiz was responsible for developing training regimens and assisting with administrative responsibilities. In 2015, he returned to Moorpark College as the head coach of the women's soccer team before officially beginning his tenure as the Kingsmen head coach.
