Basketball game marks first-ever Rice Athletics Spanish broadcast

By Ana Rivera     1/28/25 11:33pm

Rice took a historic step by launching its first-ever Spanish-language broadcast for the men’s basketball game against Tulane University Jan. 25. This milestone event, held as part of ‘Latin Day,’  marked an effort to engage Houston’s Spanish-speaking community and make Rice Athletics more accessible.

The idea for the broadcast emerged from a conversation between associate head coach Chris Kreider and Larissa Romero Valenzuela, who works at Rice’s Office of International Students and Scholars, Kreider said. 

Kreider lived in Colombia between the ages of 8 to 13, where he said he fell in love with the food, language and culture. He even majored in Spanish, and was a Spanish teacher prior to becoming a collegiate basketball coach. 

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After learning about Kreider’s background, Romero Valenzuela introduced Kreider to her husband Francisco Romero, who hosts the Spanish-language broadcast for the Houston Astros and had contributed to the Spanish-language broadcast for the University of Arizona basketball program.

“I knew he had experience, and he was passionate about it, and I thought it was a really good idea, so the three of us over lunch just talked about what we could do for Latin night,” Kreider said. “And [Romero] volunteered his services there to do that, and it just kind of sprung from that. I’m so grateful that he volunteered his time to do it because I think it’s really cool.”

Recognizing an opportunity to enhance inclusivity, Kreider and Romero Valenzuela helped lay the foundation for the initiative. With the support of Jennifer Greene, Rice Athletics marketing director, the project quickly gained momentum and became a reality, Francisco Romero said.

“Coach Kreider was the driving force behind this initiative, and his vision and support were key to making it happen,” Romero said.

Romero led the broadcast doing play-by-play, bringing over two decades of industry experience to the booth. For him, the opportunity to broadcast in Spanish was deeply personal.

“As a bilingual and bicultural broadcaster, it’s an honor to see Rice University recognize and celebrate the Hispanic community,” Romero said. “This initiative is about making sports more accessible and embracing the cultural diversity of our city.”

Romero’s passion for both broadcasting and cultural representation fueled his commitment to the project. He said that he hopes this broadcast catalyzes future initiatives aimed at reaching a wider audience.

“My hope is that this initiative paves the way for more Spanish-language broadcasts, stronger social media engagement and increased outreach to Houston’s Spanish-speaking residents and Rice students,” he said. 

As the first Spanish-language broadcaster for Rice Athletics, Romero embraced the historical significance of the occasion. 

“This is more than just a game; it’s a statement about inclusivity and expanding the reach of collegiate sports,” Romero said.

Joining Romero in the broadcast booth was color analyst Juan Alaniz, doing the commentary and analysis. With his extensive basketball knowledge, Alaniz provided in-depth perspectives that Romero said enriched the broadcast.

“Having Juan alongside me was invaluable,” Romero said. “His expertise elevated the discussion and provided insightful perspectives for our audience.”

Romero said that the reaction to the broadcast was overwhelmingly positive and Kreider said it was an event he was proud to be a part of.

“I sent the link to my parents and friends in Colombia, basketball coaches in Colombia that I’ve gotten to know and I think it’s really cool being a part of the first time ever,” Kreider said. “It’s really awesome.”

Additionally, the event featured a performance by the Folklorico Dancers from Eastwood Academy High School and a giveaway of loteria card keepsakes as a part of the theme.

Romero extended his gratitude to everyone involved in making the broadcast possible.

 “This was a collaborative effort that wouldn’t have been successful without the dedication of Rice Athletics, the marketing and communications teams and OISS,” he said. 

Looking ahead, he said that Spanish-language coverage should extend beyond basketball. 

“Football and baseball, in particular, hold strong appeal within the Hispanic community, making them prime candidates for expanded Spanish-language coverage,” Romero said.

When asked which sport he would most like to broadcast next, Romero had an immediate answer: baseball. 

As the Spanish-language broadcaster for the Houston Astros, he sees a clear connection between Rice Baseball and Houston’s baseball culture. 

“With José Cruz Jr. leading Rice Baseball and his father, José Cruz Sr., being an icon in the sport, broadcasting baseball in Spanish would be incredibly meaningful,” Romero said.

He said he envisions a future where Spanish-language broadcasting becomes a staple at Rice, strengthening the university’s commitment to diversity and cultural outreach. 

“Every step we take brings us closer to a more inclusive sports culture,” Romero said. “And I believe Rice is moving in the right direction.”

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