CISD Athletics Director Charles Lincoln, CISD Superintendent Dr. Dan Powell, Bobbi Cruff, CHS Principal Robert Gillies

In nominating her, her coworkers commended her work on behalf of special education students and her service as coach to the softball team, praising her for balancing both “beautifully.”

Her assistant coaches said Cruff stresses to players the importance of integrity, character, responsibility and succeeding not just on the field but in the classroom.

“She talks daily about the importance of taking care of their grades to make sure they have a good future,” one assistant coach wrote. “Every year we have numerous players receive academic all district, and we have girls make academic all state. Her players love her, we as coaches love her, and the program has grown and flourished because of her leadership.”

Cruff’s work as an inclusion teacher also was applauded.

“My job is infinitely easier by having her in my classroom,” one teacher wrote. “She is constantly helping those in need of assistance, whether or not they are special education students. She takes an active role in the lives of our at-risk students and helps them achieve far beyond what they thought they could accomplish. I firmly believe that together we make a great team, and our kids walk out of our classroom every day knowing they are loved and supported by us.”

As department chairwoman, Cruff works hard to ensure that special education students are serviced correctly and “will go to bat for any student who needs services,” the teacher said.

Another coworker wrote, “You can always count on her if you need anything, and you can always count on her doing what’s right for the kids. Crowley ISD is fortunate to have a staff member such as her in the district.”

Cruff was surprised on the softball field with the award on March 23. She said there are many hard-working employees in the district deserving of the award and was thankful to be recognized.

The kids are her favorite thing about her job, she said.

“They’re the reason that I come back every year,” she told the crowd who gathered to honor her on the field. “I have the best kids in Crowley ISD. These softball girls are the best girls.”

Softball players on hand for the announcement told the crowd that Cruff always puts the players and her students first.

“Coach Cruff is one of the hardest working coaches I’ve seen,” one player said. “She deserves this award.”

The Heartbeat Team Award is sponsored in part by Crowley ISD community partners EECU and Inspire Salon/Spa. Cruff received a $50 Visa gift card courtesy of EECU and a spa gift card for a custom facial courtesy of Inspire Salon/Spa.

She will be recognized at the Crowley ISD Board of Trustees meeting on March 31.