PURCHASE, N.Y. - "Where are they now?" is a monthly feature story that highlights former student-athletes and employees, as they recount their adventures at Purchase College and what they have been up to since departing.
Our fifth person of the 2025-26 season is
Danny De La Cruz '17, who was a four-year member of the men's tennis team from 2014-17
Over his career, De La Cruz (Bronx, NY) appeared in 42 matches for the Panthers over singles and doubles.
In singles action, he went 22-20 overall and 11-11 in Skyline Conference matchups. For doubles, he totaled career records of 14-23 and 7-8, respectively.
While the team improved each year De La Cruz played, the crowing achievement came during his senior campaign in 2017, when Purchase advanced to the Skyline Conference Championship for just the second time ever.
Scroll below to read Danny's own words about what he has been up to since graduating.
Sport/s: Men's Tennis
Graduation year: 2017
Major: Biology with a minor in Chemestry
Favorite place to eat on campus: The Hub
Favorite activity/event: Favorite activity was hitting the gym. Favorite event was Culture Shock.
What clubs/jobs did you have at Purchase: I never really committed to any clubs at Purchase. But I did have a tutoring job my first year.
What have you been up to since leaving: I did a couple jobs in healthcare then eventually went to Physician Assistant school. I graduated this year and I've mostly been working since. I'm also still working on my fitness when I have the time.
What are you most proud of since departing: Graduating and become a licensed Physician Assistant.
Tell us about your current job: I do pre- and post-recovery for same day cardiac procedures.
What's your official job title: Cardiac Electrophysiology Physician Assistant
What's the day to day look like: My day starts in the early afternoon. I review labs and EKGS prior to the patient having their procedure. Once done, I help with the patients recovery until they are ready to go home.
What enticed you about your job: I've always loved the physiology of the heart. I was offered the chance to learn one of the tougher sub specialties in Cardiology and was excited to take on a challenge.
Anything you learned at Purchase that is helping you in your new role: Playing sports at Purchase taught me patience, discipline and to work hard. With these skills, I have been able to tackle any obstacle that comes my way while navigating my new role of being a Physician Assistant.
Share your thoughts on your overall experience as a former Panther: It was great. We had a great team and had a lot of fun on and off court.
Any other things you were involved with on campus: Not much else than what I've already mentioned.
Final thoughts or anything else you'd like to share: I'm really glad I got to be a part of the tennis team. We made a couple of good runs and it made the college experience even better.
