The athletic talent at Pembroke Pines Charter High School (PPCHS) gets better every year. This year, junior Gabriel Castro is a good example of how students can stand out on and off the court. As the setter for Legion Volleyball, a volleyball team currently ranked among the highest in the nation, Castro is nothing less than astonishing.
What truly makes Castro’s journey to success a miracle is his potential to be a magnificent student while professionally competing in volleyball. For Castro, volleyball is more than a sport; it was brought into his life from childhood.
Having both parents played volleyball, he was thrown deep into the game right off the bat. “I’ve been around volleyball my whole life,” he recalls, reminiscing about how he used to play at home and travel to practices. This connection runs deep within his veins, molded his character, and urged him to succeed through the sport. It bonded him with his friends and gave him many fond memories to remember.
Having to balance out school, sports, and extracurricular activities—a true challenge that sometimes overwhelms even the most organized people—Castro has mastered this balancing act by using this one method: time management. In addition to his rigorous volleyball schedule—including weekend tournaments and multiple practices a week—he is also an active member of the PPCHS Band.
Despite the high demands of both fields, Castro seamlessly navigates the responsibilities of being a student-athlete and musician. “Through trial and error, I’ve found an efficient balance,” he explains. “It’s definitely possible to juggle school and volleyball with the mindset.”
As the setter for Legion Volleyball, Castro plays a key position on the team that’s tied with the number-one-ranked team in the state. The responsibility of being a setter goes beyond just setting the ball. From being the playmaker, controlling the offense, to making sure their teammates are in the right position to succeed—he does it all.
On and off the court, Castro’s leadership has been the biggest factor in his team’s success, and a lot of his teammates go to him for guidance and encouragement in crucial moments.
Up to the current moment, it has been full of big goals for his future. “I definitely see myself playing volleyball in college, and I hope to one day in the future teach my kids the same.” With his keen interest in the sport, and a great ratio to balance it with his life, there’s no doubt that we’ll be seeing Castro on TV in the future playing professionally.
Through his hard work, discipline, and love for volleyball, Castro continues to prove that it’s not just about winning games but excelling in every part of your life. Castro proceeds to set the standard for what it means to be a dedicated student-athlete.
