Christian Almanza was named Assistant Director of Athletic Communications in January of 2022. Almanza handles primary communication responsibilities for FIU men's soccer, women's basketball, women's swimming and diving, and women's soccer.
During his time at FIU, Almanza has supported his programs on their way to three C-USA championships, including the 2021 C-USA men's soccer regular-season title, and C-USA women's swimming and diving championships in 2021 and 2022.
Since the 2019 fall season, Almanza has led communication efforts for a perennially ranked FIU men's soccer program that in three years has seen three MLS draft picks, a Conference USA title, an NCAA Tournament Round of 32 appearance, and the 2021 Conference USA Coach of the Year
Kyle Russell. During the 2021 fall season, Almanza led the media campaign for FIU men's soccer on its way to winning a C-USA Regular Season Championship, knocking of No. 1 ranked defending NCAA champion Marshall, and securing the program's best-ever C-USA record.
Almanza was honored with communication responsibilities for the FIU women's basketball program in July of 2021, serving alongside reigning 2020 C-USA Coach of the Year
Jesyka Burks-Wiley. In addition, Almanza has served as the media contact for the eight-time consecutive C-USA champion women's swimming and diving team since July of 2020, alongside seven-time C-USA Coach of the Year
Randy Horner.
Prior to being named Director of Athletic Communications, Almanza served in the role of Athletic Communications Assistant at FIU beginning in the summer of 2019. Almanza got his start as an SID with both the men and women's soccer programs at FIU during the 2019 fall season and has served as the contact for both teams ever since.
In addition to his responsibilities with the four aforementioned sports, Almanza has also assisted in communication efforts with FIU football, providing the post-game recaps during home games since the 2019 season.
Almanza joined the FIU Athletic Communications department in January of 2019 as a student intern while completing the final semester of his undergraduate degree.
During his senior year as an undergrad student at FIU, Almanza was a Staff Writer for PantherNOW student media and worked primarily on the men’s and women’s basketball beat while also contributing stories for football and track & field.
Prior to working with the Athletic Communications department, Almanza held a role as a Student Equipment Manager with FIU Athletics in Fall of 2018, serving under director John Royce Reynolds.
In addition to his experience in athletic communications, Almanza holds over seven years of hospitality experience and has worked in various full-service restaurants and nightlife settings.
The Miami native is the youngest of two siblings and the son of Cuban parents. Almanza holds an AA degree from Miami Dade College in Mass Communications, and a BS in Recreation and Sport Management from Florida International University. He is a proud first-generation college graduate within his family.
