Cha Cruz-Behag facts for kids

Charleen Abigaile "Cha" Ramos Cruz-Behag (born May 11, 1988) is a famous Filipino professional volleyball player and also a teacher. She is known for being very good at many different volleyball positions. This earned her the nickname "Ms. Everything."

Cha Cruz-Behag was named the Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) twice in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP). She was also a key part of the De La Salle University Lady Spikers team that won four UAAP championships.

In July 2024, she started a new role as an assistant coach for the Petro Gazz Angels team.

About Cha Cruz-Behag

Her Early Life and Education

Cha Cruz was born on May 11, 1988. She went to high school at St. Louis College of Valenzuela from 2003 to 2006. After high school, she studied Psychology at De La Salle University and earned her Bachelor's degree.

In 2012, she continued her studies. She worked towards a Master's degree in Special Education. Cha has two younger sisters, Camille Cruz and Cienne Cruz, who also play volleyball.

Her Family Life

On February 28, 2018, Cha Cruz married Rey Behag, who is an airplane pilot. Their wedding was held in Tagaytay. In October 2019, they welcomed their son, Leon Sol, into their family.

Cha's Volleyball Journey

The "Ms. Everything" Nickname

Cha Cruz-Behag is famous for being able to play almost every position in volleyball. She has played every role except for libero. She even took on the "7th woman" role for her college team, the DLSU Lady Spikers. This meant she would step in for any player who was struggling during a game.

She once said that she would replace anyone who was "off" in a game. This included playing as a setter, middle blocker, utility spiker, or open spiker. Because she could do so much, people started calling her "Miss Everything." She even played as a libero in a special game on July 16, 2017, completing all positions!

Starting Her Volleyball Career

Cha began playing volleyball when she was in 6th grade. She took a short break but started playing again in high school. Later, Coach Ramil De Jesus asked her to join the DLSU Lady Spikers varsity team. She played for them from 2005 to 2012.

Challenges and Triumphs in College

During her first year in the UAAP (Season 68, 2005–2006), Cha faced a tough challenge. She got a stress fracture in her left ankle. This injury meant she could not play for the rest of that season.

In the next UAAP season (Season 69, 2006–07), all DLSU sports teams were suspended. This was because of a rule violation by the men's basketball team. In UAAP Season 70 (2007–08), Cha could not play because she did not meet the academic requirements.

Despite these setbacks, Cha returned to the team in 2008. She played as an open spiker and middle blocker. The DLSU Lady Spikers had a great Season 71 (2008–2009), losing only two matches. They won the championship title against the Far Eastern Lady Tamaraws.

In Season 72 (2009–10), her team finished as runner-up. They were beaten by the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Lady Tigers.

Becoming a Champion and MVP

In her last two UAAP seasons, Season 73 (2010–11) and Season 74 (2011–12), Cha was chosen as the team captain for the DLSU Lady Spikers. In both of these seasons, her team won the championships!

Cha was also named the UAAP Finals Most Valuable Player in both Season 73 and Season 74. This means she was the best player in the championship games for two years in a row. The DLSU Lady Spikers then won a third championship in a row in Season 75.

After her college career, Cha took a break from volleyball to focus on her teaching job. She is still working on her master's degree in special education at De La Salle University.

Her Professional Comeback

After two years away from the sport, Cha returned to volleyball in 2014. She joined the AirAsia Flying Spikers team. There, she reunited with her former coach, Ramil de Jesus, and other players from the DLSU Lady Spikers. Later, she became the team captain for the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers in the Philippine Super Liga.

Teams Cha Played For

• AirAsia Flying Spikers (2014)
• Generika Lifesavers (2014)
• Shopinas.com Lady Clickers (2015)
• Meralco Power Spikers (2015)
• Cignal HD Spikers (2015)
• F2 Logistics Cargo Movers (2016–2023)

Awards and Achievements

Individual Awards

• UAAP Season 73 "Finals Most Valuable Player"
• UAAP Season 74 "Finals Most Valuable Player"
• 2015 Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Conference "1st Best Outside Spiker"

Collegiate Achievements

• UAAP Season 68 volleyball tournaments - Champions, with DLSU Lady Spikers
• UAAP Season 71 volleyball tournaments - Champions, with DLSU Lady Spikers
• UAAP Season 72 volleyball tournaments - Silver medal, with DLSU Lady Spikers
• UAAP Season 73 volleyball tournaments - Champions, with DLSU Lady Spikers
• UAAP Season 74 volleyball tournaments - Champions, with DLSU Lady Spikers

Club Achievements

• 2014 PSL Grand Prix Conference - Silver medal, with Generika LifeSavers
• 2015 PSL All-Filipino Conference - Silver medal, with Shopinas.com Lady Clickers
• 2016 PSL Invitational Cup - Bronze medal, with F2 Logistics Cargo Movers
• 2016 PSL All-Filipino Conference - Champions, with F2 Logistics Cargo Movers
• 2016 PSL Grand Prix Conference - Bronze medal, with F2 Logistics Cargo Movers
• 2017 PSL All-Filipino Conference - Silver medal, with F2 Logistics Cargo Movers
• 2017 PSL Grand Prix Conference - Champions, with F2 Logistics Cargo Movers
• 2018 PSL Grand Prix Conference - Silver medal, with F2 Logistics Cargo Movers
• 2018 PSL Invitational Cup - Champions, with F2 Logistics Cargo Movers
• 2018 PSL All-Filipino Conference - Silver medal, with F2 Logistics Cargo Movers

Beach Volleyball Achievements

• 2015 Nestea Fantasy Beach Volleyball, Champions, with Light Blue Team (composed of Cruz, Michele Gumabao, Rachel Anne Daquis, and Gretchen Ho)

Other Recognitions

• 2015 DLSAA Lasallian Sports Achievement Award
• Brand ambassador for the 2015 season of the Philippine Super Liga