Castillo Looking To Lead CU To Pac-12 Tournament Title

BOULDER - Sophie Castillo is self-described as determined, outgoing and positive, and when University of Colorado Head Lacrosse Coach Ann Elliott Whidden thinks of Castillo, she thinks of a player who is "very passionate and very committed to our program."

From Pennsylvania, Castillo has always had a passion for an array of sports. Growing up one of her fondest memories was watching any sports game on the television with her brother and dad, which led to her becoming the sports broadcast media major that she is today.

This past season Castillo has incorporated all the knowledge that she has learnt about broadcast media and introduced the Colorado fans to all the new players in what was called "meet the freshman" a fun quirky way to get to know the new players and see their different personality traits shine through.

"It's been fun, there are so many of them, so it was hard in the beginning getting to know every single one," she said.  "I think having to sit down with each of them brings out a little side of them that people didn't know."

While Castillo is a dominant powerhouse today, that was not always the case. "My first two seasons were pretty tough," she said.  While she got frequent playing time her freshman season, her sophomore season slowed down a lot. "I barely played." However, that never stopped her; she refocused and began taking advantage of being on the scout team.

The devotedness she showed towards her team and her heart for others began to set her apart as a leader. "I just worked really hard knowing that I probably wasn't going to play in the games but wanted to help those that were," she said.

By the time her junior year rolled around, Castillo was on fire, starting in 19 of the 20 games. "Being positive throughout those two years and showing the coaches that I wanted to be there really helped me by my junior year because I had worked so hard," she said. "What she does on and off the field is unmatched and it's really important to us her leadership and her ability to get the team motivated and going."

Whidden added, "Early on she didn't play a lot, but she was very committed to buying into her role and making sure she made an impact every day. And that has paid off. The last two years, she's been starting for us and having a huge impact on the field, that's incredible."

Help it did. Castillo recorded 26 goals and 15 assists totaling 41 points for the Buffs throughout the season, the fifth highest on the team in 2018. Castillo was named to the Pac-12 All-Tournament Team after scoring a career-best six points (three goals and three assists) in CU's semi-final win over Oregon.

Her most notable CU memory to date was winning the 2018 regular season Pac-12 Championship. "That was the most fun day ever," she said. "We kept saying we won the little league world series because we were having so much fun with it. That was such a cool moment."

Castillo now in her senior season had a new challenge laid out for her, being a team captain. "This has been different. It's a whole different type of leadership role, keeping in contact with everybody and making sure everyone is on the same page," she explained.

"I've really had to step up a lot this year compared to last year," she went on to say. "Last year I was just getting into my role as playing on the field as a key player, and now I have to make sure that everyone else who is new to the field feels as comfortable as they can."

Looking ahead as the regular season winds down, Castillo still has some goals to conquer. "Losing in the tournament last year was really hard on us and I think as a senior that's something I definitely want to accomplish with this team specifically," she said.

In order to get there, Castillo aspires to step up even further as a senior leader. "Our record is not as good as it's been in the past," she said. "I think being able to motivate everyone else and get everyone on the same page and to realize how hard we have to work comes from the leadership and the seniors."

After graduation and the season conclude, Castillo will be off to Austin, Texas to become a Wine Sale Representative for E&J Gallo, an opportunity that came about from former teammate Molly Rovzar, who works for the company, as well as the Leadership and Development Program at CU.

Looking back at her time at CU, Castillo has this advice for all her freshman teammates and the players to come. "Don't stress out so much. Everything seems like the end of the world freshman year and you are always worried about lacrosse and school, but you kind of have to take a deep breath and it will all be ok in the end."

The season is not over and anything is possible with this team, including a shot at a Pac-12 Tournament

Colorado University Athletics

Castillo Looking To Lead CU To Pac-12 Tournament Title

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