Cristina Almeida Rodriguez

Cristina Almeida Rodriguez
Volleyball Coach & Exercise Science Expert
Contact: (210) 621-3841

Coaching Purpose: I want my players to find out how to become the best version of themselves on and off the court.

With a rich background in international volleyball and an academic foundation in exercise science, Cristina is dedicated to developing athletes both on and off the court. Her extensive experience as a professional volleyball player and coach spans over two decades, blending practical sports experience with fitness and conditioning expertise.

Professional Experience:
- Professional Volleyball Player (D1)– FPV, São Paulo, Brazil
Cristina played for 3 years at the professional level in Brazil and has been a registered athlete with the Brazilian Confederation (CBV) since 1999.
- NCAA Athlete – She earned a full scholarship playing as a starter for Laredo Community College and the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA).

- Assistant Coach & Conditioning Expert– University & Club Levels
- 1 year as a student assistant volleyball coach at UTSA.
- 3 years as an assistant volleyball and strength & conditioning coach at Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU).
- 10 + years coaching club volleyball in San Antonio, leading youth teams to top finishes at the Junior Olympics, Dallas qualifiers, and regional championships.

- FIVB Beach Volleyball Player & Coach – represents U.S. Virgin Islands National Team.
Cristina joined the FIVB Beach Volleyball Tour Pro circuit in 2017, representing the U.S. Virgin Islands. She is a certified FIVB Level 1 Pro Beach Coach.

Certifications & Skills:
-Bachelor of Science in kinesiology & Exercise Science from University of Texas at San Antonio
- Certified Personal Trainer (NASM)
- USAW - Olympic Lifting coach Level 1
- YES - Youth Exercise Specialist (NASM)
- AFAA Certified Fitness Instructor
- E-200 hour Registered Yoga Teacher (Yoga Alliance) since 2014 -Certified Yoga Trapeze Teacher (YogaBody, Spain)
- Fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese

Cristina's coaching philosophy emphasizes injury prevention, mental visualization, and teamwork. Through years of experience in both indoor and beach volleyball, Cristina offers athletes a holistic approach to training, combining strength conditioning with yoga, and personalized fitness programs to maximize performance.

Favorite quote: “The secret of life though, is to fall seven times and get up eight times”
By Paulo Coelho - The Alchemist.