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SAN ANTONIO -- With the 2018 UTSA volleyball season is well underway, it is time to get to know our 2018 student-athletes!
Today, learn all about UTSA junior outside and middle hitter Montse Castro. Castro, a native of Mexico City, Mexico, has played in eight matches in her two seasons after transferring from Texas A&M. Castro, who is 6-foot-7, has 16 career kills and nine total blocks, including eight in 2018.
UTSA (5-1) will return action on Friday with the Flo Hyman Invitational, facing host Houston at 11:30 a.m. and Houston Baptist at 4:30 p.m.
At what age did you begin playing volleyball?
MT: When I was 15.
Why did you start playing volleyball?
MT: I started playing volleyball because one of the high school coaches saw me and wanted me to try out.
What is your earliest memory of volleyball?
MT: Playing with my high school team
Who is your inspiration in volleyball and why?
MT: My dad, not necesarily because of him playing volleyball but he has always been amazing at sports and he just goes all out in everything he does.
Who is a current/former collegiate or professional volleyball athlete whom you admire and why?
MT: Dani Villareal. She is one of my best friends and she played for UTSA before I got here. She is one of the most passionate people I know. She works really hard and has always been so encouraging to everyone.
What family members have made the biggest impact on your life and why?
MT: I have two brothers, Antonio and Aram, Antonio just graduated medical school so he is an extremely positive influence on my life. Aram is studying engineering which is also a super hard major so he inspires me daily with his perseverance. My dad and my mom have always been major influences in my life, my mom is one of the strongest people I know. She has definitely been the rock of my life and my dad is just so passionate with everything he does, he is always pushing us to be better.
Do you have any family members who played collegiate sports? What sport and where did they play?
MT: My dad played basketball for a University in Mexico and he was also on the Mexican national team.
What are the strengths of your volleyball game? What are the areas you are currently trying to work on the most?
MT: My strengths definitely have to do with my height and reach, blocking specially. I'm trying to be better at my off blocker defense and Im always trying to improve in my blocking game.
Why did you decide to attend the UTSA?
MT: The girls and coaches were really what made me transfer here.
What are your individual and team goals at UTSA?
MT: I want really help my team in whatever capacity they need me, either by cheering like crazy in the sideline or getting some blocks at the net.
What is your academic major and why did you select that major?
MT: I'm in athletic medicine. I want to go into OT or PT and would love to work with paralympic athletes in the future.
What are your career goals (after volleyball) and why do you have an interest in pursuing that particular career?
MT: Working with paralympic athletes and prosthetics it has always been a passion of mine. I think is a hundred times more impressive that someone is able to excel at a sport with a prosthetic or orthotic part. Being able to relearn what we take for granted and apply it to a sport is amazing.
Have there been any big obstacles that you have had to overcome in your life? How did you overcome them and how did that experience help shape you?
MT: Moving form Mexico to USA was a big change. That had a lot of bittersweet moments, but as I said my family has always been there for me so they help me every time I get overwhelmed.
What do you enjoy doing outside of volleyball and school?
MT: I love being part of FCA and Catholic worker volunteering. I'm really active with non-profit work and have had to fortune to meet so many amazing people because of it.
What is something most people might not know about you?
MT: I can paint and draw. I also love calligraphy and lettering design.
What would you most like to be known for as a UTSA volleyball player?
MT: Just someone that is aggressive when playing and someone who enjoys and is grateful for what she is doing.
What advice would you give to a young girl who would like to one day be in your shoes?
MT: Work hard and always be coachable.
- GO UTSA -
