# Cha Cruz-Behag > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Cha_Cruz-Behag > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Cha_Cruz-Behag.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cha_Cruz-Behag > Source revision: 1354483716 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) {{tone|date=March 2024}} {{Short description|Filipino volleyball player}} {{Use Philippine English|date=April 2023}} {{Use mdy dates|date=January 2019}} {{Philippine name|Ramos|Cruz|Behag|ph=married}} {{Infobox volleyball player | name = Cha Cruz-Behag | image = | imagesize = | caption = | fullname = Charleen Abigaile Ramos Cruz | nationality = Filipino | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1988|05|11|mf=yes}} | birth_place = | hometown = [Valenzuela, Philippines](/source/Valenzuela%2C_Philippines) | height = {{height|m=1.72|precision=0}} | weight = {{convert|60|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}} | spike = | block = | position = Outside hitter/open hitter | currentnumber = 11 | currentclub = [F2 Logistics Cargo Movers](/source/F2_Logistics_Cargo_Movers) | college = [De La Salle University](/source/De_La_Salle_University) | years1 = 2014 | team1 = [AirAsia Flying Spikers](/source/AirAsia_Flying_Spikers) | years2 = 2014 | team2 = [Generika Lifesavers](/source/Generika_Lifesavers) | years3 = 2015 | team3 = [Shopinas.com Lady Clickers](/source/Shopinas.com_Lady_Clickers) | years4 = 2015 | team4 = [Meralco Power Spikers](/source/Meralco_Power_Spikers) | years5 = 2015 | team5 = [Cignal HD Spikers](/source/Cignal_HD_Spikers_(women's_team)) | years6 = 2016–2023 | team6 = [F2 Logistics Cargo Movers](/source/F2_Logistics_Cargo_Movers) }} '''Charleen Abigaile "Cha" Ramos Cruz-Behag''' (born May 11, 1988) is a Filipino professional [volleyball](/source/volleyball) player and an [educator](/source/Teacher). She was a two-time [University Athletic Association of the Philippines](/source/University_Athletic_Association_of_the_Philippines)'s (UAAP) Finals Most Valuable Player and was part of the [De La Salle University Lady Spikers](/source/De_La_Salle_Lady_Spikers_volleyball)' four [UAAP](/source/University_Athletic_Association_of_the_Philippines) championships. She is known for her versatility in volleyball, earning her the [moniker](/source/moniker) "Ms. Everything". In July 2024, she was tapped as assistant coach for the [Petro Gazz Angels](/source/Petro_Gazz_Angels).{{cite news|url=https://www.spin.ph/volleyball/pvl/cha-cruz-behag-returns-to-pvl-as-petro-gazz-deputy-coach-a5172-20240702 |title=Cha Cruz-Behag returns to PVL as Petro Gazz deputy coach Sol|last=Garcia|first=John Mark|website=Sports Interactive Network|date=July 2, 2024|access-date=July 2, 2024}} ==Personal life== Cruz was born on May 11, 1988. She studied in the [St. Louis College of Valenzuela](/source/St._Louis_College_of_Valenzuela) high school from 2003 to 2006 and completed her [Bachelor's](/source/Bachelor's_degree) in [Psychology](/source/Psychology) at [De La Salle University](/source/De_La_Salle_University). As of 2012, she was pursuing her [Master's degree](/source/Master's_degree) in [Special Education](/source/Special_Education).{{cite news|url=https://www.rappler.com/sports/2092-the-story-of-cha-cruz-mission-accomplished/|title=Finding inspiration in Season 74 superstar Cha Cruz|last=Albelda|first=Josiah|newspaper=Rappler|date=March 5, 2012|access-date=October 1, 2016}} She is the older sister of volleyball players Camille Cruz and [Cienne Cruz](/source/Cienne_Cruz).{{cite web|url=http://thelasallian.com/2014/11/18/cienne-cruz-stepping-up-in-uaap-77/|title= Cienne Cruz: Stepping up in UAAP 77|last=Tuazon|first=Nicole|publisher=The Lasallian|date=November 14, 2014|access-date=July 10, 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://rivals.ph/hype/2014/11/09/14115/20-times-cha-cruz-killed-your-self-confidence|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150320014637/http://rivals.ph/hype/2014/11/09/14115/20-times-cha-cruz-killed-your-self-confidence/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=March 20, 2015|title=20 times Cha Cruz' Instagram account killed your self-confidence|last=Dionisio|first=Mac|publisher=Rivals|date=November 9, 2014|access-date=July 19, 2015}} Cruz married [pilot](/source/Aircraft_pilot) Rey Behag on February 28, 2018, in [Tagaytay](/source/Tagaytay).{{cite web|url=https://www.spin.ph/volleyball/news/cha-cruz-from-miss-everything-to-mrs-behag|title=Cha Cruz transforms from 'Miss Everything' into Mrs. Behag in Tagaytay wedding|last=Lozada|first=Mei-Lin|website=Sports Interactive Network|date=March 1, 2018|access-date=March 1, 2018}} In October 2019, she gave birth to her son, Leon Sol.{{cite news|url=https://www.spin.ph/life/guide/cha-cruz-baby-a796-20191022 |title=Cha Cruz-Behag welcomes her newborn son Leon Sol|last=Lozada|first=Mei-Lin|website=Sports Interactive Network|date=October 22, 2019|access-date=January 21, 2022}} ==Career== Cruz is known for her versatility in playing volleyball. Over her career, she has played every position except libero and has embraced the 7th woman role for the DLSU Lady Spikers. According to her: "Kung sino yung nagkamali, or sino yung medyo off sa game, I'll replace them. So even setter, even center spiker, utility or open spiker I played."{{cite web|url=http://onemeralcosports.com/player/cha-cruz/|title=Cha Cruz|publisher=One Meralco Sports|access-date=November 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808234413/http://onemeralcosports.com/player/cha-cruz/|archive-date=August 8, 2017|url-status=dead}} This all-around athleticism and her ability to transition from setter to all spiking positions{{cite news |last1=Dionisio |first1=Mac |title=Volleyball star Cha Cruz reveals a different side of her personality |url=https://www.pressreader.com/philippines/philippine-daily-inquirer/20150517/282767765183527 |access-date=11 July 2025 |agency=Pressreader |publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=17 May 2015}} earned her the [moniker](/source/moniker) "Miss Everything".{{cite web|url=https://www.spin.ph/volleyball/super-liga/ms-everything-cha-cruz-now-a-full-time-volleyball-player-part-time-teacher-part-time-student|title='Ms Everything' Cha Cruz juggles roles as volleyball player, part-time teacher and student|last=Lozada|first=Mei-Lin|website=Sports Interactive Network|date=March 29, 2016|access-date=November 25, 2017}} However, she completed playing the final position of libero during the Battle of the Rivals on July 16, 2017.{{Cite web|url=https://m.facebook.com/battleoftherivals/photos/a.1860840877572013/1896215330701234/?type=3|title=Log in or sign up to view|website=m.facebook.com|accessdate=October 25, 2023}} Cruz began playing volleyball when she was in 6th grade. She took a break in the succeeding years but picked it up again during high school. Later, she was recruited by Coach Ramil De Jesus for the [DLSU Lady Spikers](/source/De_La_Salle_Green_Archers) varsity team and played for the team from 2005 to 2012. Cruz continued playing for three years in her collegiate career. Midway during her UAAP rookie year (Season 68, 2005–2006) she sustained a stress fracture in her left ankle which forced her to sit out the remaining games of the season. In the following UAAP season (Season 69, 2006–07), all DLSU varsity teams were suspended from the athletic association as a consequence of its men's basketball team's violation of a UAAP rule. In [UAAP Season 70](/source/UAAP_Season_70) (2007–08), Cruz-Behag was barred from playing for the team as she failed to meet the academic requirements. In 2008, Cruz returned to the team, this time playing as an open spiker and middle blocker. The DLSU Lady Spikers only dropped two matches in UAAP Season 71 (2008–2009), winning the championship title over the Far Eastern Lady Tamaraws.{{Cite web|last=Flores|first=Joaqui|date=2015-04-24|title=For the greater good: The Cha Cruz story|url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/greater-good-cha-cruz-story/22072|access-date=2021-07-16|website=Tiebreaker Times|language=en-US}} However, in Season 72 (2009–10), the DLSU Lady Spikers were dethroned by the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Lady Tigers and finished as runner-up. In her last two UAAP seasons [Seasons 73 (2010–11) and 74 (2011–12)], Cruz was named team captain for the DLSU Lady Spikers. In both seasons, the team won the championships and Cruz was awarded the UAAP Finals Most Valuable Player for both seasons. Eventually, the back-to-back championships turned into a 3-peat as the DLSU Lady Spikers again won the UAAP Women's Volleyball championship in Season 75. When she finished playing for UAAP, Cruz took a break from playing volleyball to focus on her teaching career.{{Cite web|url=https://sports.abs-cbn.com/sportslifestyle/news/2015/07/30/catching-teacher-cha-cruz-3714,|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250121002712/https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 21, 2025|title=Sports|accessdate=October 25, 2023}} She is currently completing her master's degree in education major in special education at [De La Salle University](/source/De_La_Salle_University). After a two-year hiatus, Cruz made a comeback via the now defunct [AirAsia Flying Spikers](/source/AirAsia_Flying_Spikers) in 2014, reuniting with Coach Ramil de Jesus and other DLSU Lady Spikers. She then became the team captain of the [F2 Logistics Cargo Movers](/source/F2_Logistics_Cargo_Movers) in the [Philippine Super Liga](/source/Philippine_Super_Liga). ==Clubs== * {{flagicon|PHI}} [AirAsia Flying Spikers](/source/AirAsia_Flying_Spikers) (2014) * {{flagicon|PHI}} [Generika Lifesavers](/source/Generika_Lifesavers) (2014) * {{flagicon|PHI}} [Shopinas.com Lady Clickers](/source/Shopinas.com_Lady_Clickers) (2015) * {{flagicon|PHI}} [Meralco Power Spikers](/source/Meralco_Power_Spikers) (2015) * {{flagicon|PHI}} [Cignal HD Spikers](/source/Cignal_HD_Spikers_(women's_team)) (2015) * {{flagicon|PHI}} [F2 Logistics Cargo Movers](/source/F2_Logistics_Cargo_Movers) (2016–2023) ==Awards (Partial list)== ===Individuals=== * ''[UAAP Season 73 "Finals Most Valuable Player"](/source/UAAP_Season_73_volleyball_tournaments)'' * ''[UAAP Season 74 "Finals Most Valuable Player"](/source/UAAP_Season_74_volleyball_tournaments)'' * ''[2015 Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Conference "1st Best Outside Spiker"](/source/2015_PSL_All-Filipino_Conference)'' ===Collegiate=== * [UAAP Season 68 volleyball tournaments](/source/UAAP_Volleyball_Championship) - File:Med 1.png Champions, with DLSU Lady Spikers * [UAAP Season 71 volleyball tournaments](/source/UAAP_Season_71_volleyball_tournaments) - File:Med 1.png Champions, with DLSU Lady Spikers * [UAAP Season 72 volleyball tournaments](/source/UAAP_Season_72_volleyball_tournaments) - File:Med 2.png Silver medal, with DLSU Lady Spikers * [UAAP Season 73 volleyball tournaments](/source/UAAP_Season_73_volleyball_tournaments) - File:Med 1.png Champions, with DLSU Lady Spikers * [UAAP Season 74 volleyball tournaments](/source/UAAP_Season_74_volleyball_tournaments) - File:Med 1.png Champions, with DLSU Lady Spikers ===Clubs=== * [2014 PSL Grand Prix Conference](/source/2014_PSL_Grand_Prix_Conference) - File:Med 2.png Silver medal, with Generika LifeSavers (now [Generika-Ayala Lifesavers](/source/Generika-Ayala_Lifesavers)) * [2015 PSL All-Filipino Conference](/source/2015_PSL_All-Filipino_Conference) - File:Med 2.png Silver medal, with [Shopinas.com Lady Clickers](/source/Shopinas.com_Lady_Clickers) * [2016 PSL Invitational Cup](/source/2016_PSL_Invitational_Cup) - File:Med 3.png Bronze medal, with [F2 Logistics Cargo Movers](/source/F2_Logistics_Cargo_Movers) * [2016 PSL All-Filipino Conference](/source/2016_PSL_All-Filipino_Conference) - File:Med 1.png Champions, with [F2 Logistics Cargo Movers](/source/F2_Logistics_Cargo_Movers) * [2016 PSL Grand Prix Conference](/source/2016_PSL_Grand_Prix_Conference) - File:Med 3.png Bronze medal, with [F2 Logistics Cargo Movers](/source/F2_Logistics_Cargo_Movers) * [2017 PSL All-Filipino Conference](/source/2017_PSL_All-Filipino_Conference) - File:Med 2.png Silver medal, with [F2 Logistics Cargo Movers](/source/F2_Logistics_Cargo_Movers) * [2017 PSL Grand Prix Conference](/source/2017_PSL_Grand_Prix_Conference) - File:Med 1.png Champions, with [F2 Logistics Cargo Movers](/source/F2_Logistics_Cargo_Movers) * [2018 PSL Grand Prix Conference](/source/2018_PSL_Grand_Prix_Conference) - File:Med 2.png Silver medal, with [F2 Logistics Cargo Movers](/source/F2_Logistics_Cargo_Movers) * [2018 PSL Invitational Cup](/source/2018_PSL_Invitational_Cup) - File:Med 1.png Champions, with [F2 Logistics Cargo Movers](/source/F2_Logistics_Cargo_Movers) * [2018 PSL All-Filipino Conference](/source/2018_PSL_All-Filipino_Conference) - File:Med 2.png Silver medal, with [F2 Logistics Cargo Movers](/source/F2_Logistics_Cargo_Movers) ===Beach Volleyball=== * 2015 [Nestea Fantasy Beach Volleyball](/source/Nestea_Beach_Volleyball), File:Med 1.png Champions, with Light Blue Team composed of Cruz, Michele Gumabao, Rachel Anne Daquis, and Gretchen Ho ==Recognition== * 2015, [FHM Philippines](/source/FHM_Philippines) 100 Sexiest Woman, ranked No. 98 * 2015 DLSAA Lasallian Sports Achievement Award * [2015 season](/source/2015_PSL_season) of the [Philippine Super Liga](/source/Philippine_Super_Liga)'s brand ambassador{{cite news|url=https://sports.abs-cbn.com/volleyball/news/2015/04/11/cha-cruz-psl-s-new-ambassador-1727|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180213135306/https://sports.abs-cbn.com/volleyball/news/2015/04/11/cha-cruz-psl-s-new-ambassador-1727|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 13, 2018|title=Cha Cruz to be named as the PSL's new ambassador|publisher=ABS-CBN Sports|date=April 11, 2015|access-date=February 13, 2018}} ==References== {{Reflist|30em}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Cruz-Behag, Cha}} Category:Living people Category:Filipino women's volleyball players Category:1988 births Category:University Athletic Association of the Philippines volleyball players Category:De La Salle University alumni Category:Sportspeople from Valenzuela, Metro Manila Category:Volleyball players from Metro Manila Category:Outside hitters Category:Volleyball players at the 2018 Asian Games Category:Asian Games volleyball players for the Philippines Category:AirAsia Flying Spikers players Category:Cignal HD Spikers (women) players Category:F2 Logistics Cargo Movers players Category:Generika-Ayala Lifesavers players Category:Meralco Power Spikers players Category:Shopinas.com Lady Clickers players --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Cha Cruz-Behag](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cha_Cruz-Behag) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cha_Cruz-Behag?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.