Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame
- Induction:
- 2022
- Class:
- 2009
Sam Cronin's legacy at Wake Forest is defined by his accolades. During his time at Wake Forest, Cronin led the Demon Deacons to three-straight College Cup appearances, including their first-ever national title in 2007.
As a freshman in 2005, Cronin was named to the All-ACC Freshman team. He followed up his freshman season with an even more successful sophomore campaign. In 2006, Cronin was named to the ACC All-Tournament team, All-South Region team and the ACC All-Academic team.
As a junior, Wake Forest won the national title and he was named a First team All-ACC member, an ACC All-Tournament team member, an NSCAA second team All-American member, and was named the Soccer America First Team MVP.
As a senior in 2008, Cronin finished in the top-three for the MAC Hermann Trophy for the National Player of the Year. He was named an NSCAA All-American, First team All-ACC member, All-South Region member and the Senior CLASS Award winner.
Cronin holds the Wake Forest record for games played and games started (98). He ranks 19th in school history in points, 22nd in goals and 19th in assists. He finished his career at Wake Forest career with 17 goals, 19 assists, 53 points and four game-winning goals.
After graduation, Cronin was selected second overall by Toronto F.C. in the 2008 MLS Draft. In 2010, he signed with the San Jose Earthquakes. During his time in San Jose, Cronin was named the Earthquakes team MVP (2012). In 2015, Cronin left San Jose and joined the Colorado Rapids. Cronin later represented the Colorado Rapids in the 2015 MLS All-Star game. Cronin played 11 years in the MLS.
Cronin also competed at the national level. He was a member of the U.S. National Soccer Team. In 2009, Cronin was called up and he earned two caps in the Gold Cup against Haiti and Mexico.
