By Sofia Puga

YUMA, Ariz. The game of soccer was not always a high priority for Arizona Western freshman Maria Fernanda Castillo. Maria goes by Fernanda and is also known as "Cas", grew up around soccer since many of her family members would play. As a child, she didn't like the sport.

"I hated soccer when I was a young girl," Castillo said.

Eventually Fernanda grew to love the game, using soccer as her sanctuary. 

"But then for me it was my safe space," Castillo said. "It was my escape from reality."

After playing soccer for much of her life, Fernanda chose to step away from the game following the 2024 season on her U19 academy season in her home country of Mexico. That break didn't last long thanksto her close friend and Arizona Western women's soccer player Valeria Ramon.

"It was a little joke with my best friend," Castillo said. "When I decided to put a break on my soccer life, I remember one day we were messaging and she told me, why don't you come back here and play?"

Castillo didn't take the conversation seriously.

"I said, yeah sure," Castillo said.

Fernanda's friend Valeria had the wheels in motion and eventually, she was talking to Arizona Western women's soccer coach Victory Verdugo.

"Soon after talking to coach, I arrived at Arizona Western and am now playing here," Castillo said.

Castillo is a center back, a defensive position that focuses on preventing opponents on the line from approaching the goalkeeper to score. She wears number 22, which has a valuable meaning for her. 

"That was my number when I was playing for the academy," Castillo said. "It was my first number with a prominent program, so that number is special for me."

Being a part of the Lady Matador's soccer team means being a part of one of the top programs in the nation at the junior college level. Castillo touched on playing for a team that has appeared in back-to-back national championship games.

"I think with this team, we have the best players in the country, and of course we play difficult teams," Castillo said. "It's really good competition for us because we have experience."

Before hitting the pitch on game day, Castillo does have a ritual.

"Watch Disney movies, like High School Musical," Castillo said. "I love that movie."

She has her eyes set on landing on a Division I soccer team and taking a run at a career as a professional soccer player. Before that happens, Fernanda is focusing on her studies. She is a business major and wants to use her degree to work in sports business or management.

"I really want to play professional soccer," Castillo said. "Right now, I need a break because of my studies and I'm working on that. When I finish my major, I want to get into the professional life."

Castillo's life outside of soccer includes working on her studies, watching movies or hanging out with her friends. Her favorite food is tacos and she likes to listen to English and Spanish pop.

Fernanda and the Lady Matadors' Soccer team are currently in the offseason, preparing for the next season this fall with the Lady Matadors taking another run at the elusive national championship title.