York College announced that Carl Christian is transitioning back to campus to serve as Director of Athletics & Recreation ahead of the 2024-25 academic year. Christian, who previously led York as Director of Athletics & Recreation from 2019-22, spent the last two years at the City University of New York Athletic Conference (CUNYAC), where he served as Interim Executive Director.
In addition to overseeing the daily operations of the CUNYAC office, Christian worked with the University Athletic Council and campus Athletic Directors to determine and advance the Conference’s long-term strategy and vision. During his time with CUNYAC, Christian collaborated with member campuses to enhance the student-athlete experience and provide thought leadership on all Conference matters.
With a proven track record of fostering strong relationships and driving support for athletics programs, Christian’s previous tenure at York saw the successful execution of numerous initiatives that bolstered York’s profile. Arriving at York in 2017, Christian was brought to campus to lead in the role of as Associate Director of Athletics for Compliance/Internal Operations. Christian was later named Director of Athletics & Recreation at York in 2021 after leading the department as the Interim Director since September 2019. As Director of Athletics & Recreation, Christian secured York’s reinstatement as a full NCAA member by meeting critical deadlines and requirements. Christian also advanced athletics facilities upgrades including the design and restoration of a $12 million-dollar outdoor track and turf soccer field complex, and supported institutional efforts to secure a public/private partnership with Queensborough FC, USL expansion team, to develop a 7,500 seat, soccer-specific stadium on campus.
Prior to his tenure at York, Christian worked at Queens College, where he gained over 10 years of experience in the athletics, coaching & recreation field. In addition, Christian also served as the Assistant Director of Recreation, Intramurals, Aquatics & Fitness Center. Christian’s responsibilities included the oversight of the fitness center and intramural programs. He also helped to cultivate community-based relationships with various local organizations, such as the NYC Parks Department, PSAL, and expanded outreach programs for the institution.
Christian directed the Queens College men’s and women’s soccer programs, serving as head coach of the women’s team from 2008-2016 and leading the men’s program from 2011-2017. In addition to their many successes on the field, both the men’s and women’s teams earned consecutive United Soccer Coaches (formerly National Soccer Coaches Association of America – NSCAA) Team Academic Awards, for their academic accomplishments.
Christian has coached for the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) Olympic Development Program (ODP) since 2012, and has served as a US Open Cup Match Commissioner for US Soccer. He is a member of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) and the National Association of Division III Athletic Administrators (NADIIIAA) and has received National, Advanced National, and Premier Coaching Diplomas from United Soccer Coaches (formerly NSCAA). Also, Christian has been a member of the NCAA Division III Men’s Soccer Committee since 2018.
A CUNY alumnus, Christian earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from Queens College and was a four-year member of the men’s soccer team, earning All-Conference & All-Region recognition, and scoring over 50 goals in his collegiate career. Christian also played in the U.S. Open Cup Final, which was the highest professional soccer tournament at the time in the United States.
