University of Minnesota Athletics
Players Mentioned
Get to Know the Gophers: Maddie Castro
5/9/2018 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
The University of Minnesota soccer team has concluded their spring activities, and are in full offseason mode. GopherSports.com will sit down with each player on the 2018 team to get to know them better on and off the field!
Senior Maddie Castro was next to sit down with us as we got to know her more on and off the field!
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GopherSports.com: What are your summer plans? Internship? Travel? Playing Soccer? ANYTHING!
Maddie Castro: I plan on doing on working throughout most of the summer. My work plans are not yet set in stone but I am hoping to be able to work in a research lab this summer and possibly a school.
GS: Heading out of school for a few months, what do you like to do with your free time? Hobbies? Interests?
MC: I think anyone who knows me well enough knows that I love to sleep! I also really love be able to spend time with my family and dog. I am looking forward to days on the lake, watching baseball, and going on road trips.
GS: How did you begin playing soccer? What sparked your interest as a child?
MC: My mom signed me up for rec when I was about two years old. Both my siblings were playing soccer too so it was kind of a family interest. I just really loved running around and being with a bunch of my friends.
GS: What other positions have you played in the past? For instance; if you were a goal scorer in high school, and you are not now, what has that position change been like? Or vice versa;
MC: I feel like I have changed positions a lot throughout my soccer life. I played center mid throughout club then I would play forward for my high school. As a Gopher, I have trained as a defender, midfielder and forward. I am currently a forward but occasionally I get to train as a defender.
GS: What kind of person would you describe yourself as? What kind of player would you describe yourself as?
MC: I would say I am very goofy. I am also very thoughtful, loyal and extremely disciplined. As a player I would describe myself as as very thoughtful, creative, and resilient. I strive to bring thoughtfulness to every aspect of my life and I think that is what has helped me grow as a person and player.
GS: Have you played other sports in your life?
MC: I dabbled with basketball when I was younger but I only grew to be 5-2 and decided it was time to be done.
GS: Is there a story behind your number you have in college? What about what you had in high school?
MC: I currently wear number nine, there is no particular reason I chose nine but that number is usually worn by a center forward so it is cool that it happens to fit me and my position. I wore three and six for the first two years of high school but then I changed to 10. My sister wore 10 when she played and I really wanted to represent her and continue her legacy.
GS: What made you choose to come to the University of Minnesota? What does it mean to be a Gopher to you?
MC: It had everything. It had incredible academics, people, facilities, and culture. I walked on campus I knew this is where I wanted to be. I find something new that I love about the 'U' every single day. Being a Gopher is the most important thing to me. To be able to be a Division I athlete in one of the best conferences was always a goal as a young girl. So to be able to be here and wear the Minnesota jersey, it is a dream come true.
GS: What is your favorite part about playing soccer here?
MC: Everything. The discipline, grit, competitiveness, and culture.
GS: Favorite Soccer player? Favorite Professional athlete?
MC: James Rodriguez, he plays for Colombia.
GS: Favorite food/meal?
MC: I don't discriminate, I love all food.
GS: Favorite Sport besides soccer?
MC: I really enjoy watching hockey and baseball.
GS: Favorite place you have traveled to?
MC: Italy and Colombia.
GS: Favorite _____ (You pick something!)
MC: Person: Emily Peterson, also known as the PETE.
GS: Favorite _____ (You pick something!)
MC: Shoe brand: Vans