TRUTH MATTERS… Donate to support excellence in student journalism
Beyond the soccer field, a powerful bond exists between Varsity Captain Leelen Castro and his father, Coach Jose Castro, united by their shared passion for the game.
When he was three, Leelen began displaying an interest in soccer. He was further inspired by watching his favorite player, Ronaldinho Gaúcho, so he approached his father about playing.
Over a decade later, the father-son duo led the boy’s varsity soccer team to the Division III 2024 CIF LA City Quarterfinals.
Before coaching boys varsity soccer, Coach Castro was a former player, reaching as far as college-level soccer. Despite having never coached, he knew he wanted to help student-athletes, so following the departure of Leelen’s recreational soccer team coach, Coach Castro stepped into the position.
One of Leelen’s greatest challenges this season surrounded his relationship with the coach. The decision to make Leelen a captain garnered mixed reactions from those on and off the field, developing skepticism about whether his position was rightfully earned or simply another case of nepotism.
Rather than letting the criticism damage him, Leelen set out to demonstrate his credibility and worth by repurposing the negativity into fuel.
“Some people say, ‘Oh, you’re just captain or on varsity because your dad is the coach,’ but no,” Leelen explained. “I’ve worked hard to get my position. It sucks that they don’t see the work that I’m putting in. But they’ll see it in the future. I always liked being a leader. I think that a team without a leader is not a team at all.”
Despite allegations of nepotism from students around campus, both coaches and players alike agree on one thing, Leelen earned his position as boy’s varsity soccer captain.
Even as a freshman on the varsity team last school year, his talent was evident, despite limited playing time. As time progressed, his leadership skills and personality, matched with on-field performance, earned him the title of ‘captain’.
“Being able to socialize, communicate and carry out what has been planned when the coach is not present are all traits I look for in a captain,” Coach Castro said. “Nobody on the team has ever questioned my decision to make Leelen a captain. He was a role model and did what was expected of him. The assistant coach agrees. Not because he knows me, but because he shows both on and off the field what’s expected in terms of what a leader is supposed to be.”
This differs for Leelen, however, as he has to not only match these requirements, but exceed them, just to prevent nepotism allegations.
“Just because he’s my son does not mean we expect any less from him,” Coach Castro said. “The expectation standard needs to meet those specific qualities of a coach so the other players can replicate that and do better than him.”
The season as a whole has brought many learning opportunities to Leelen both on and off the field.
“I’ve learned that being captain is not just being a leader on the field,” Leelen said. “You have to be a leader off the field as well. Especially when you’re in real-life situations.”
Balancing academics and sports is crucial. Leelen excels, maintaining his GPA and participating in various extracurriculars..
“He pretty much has no time,” Coach Castro said. “Seven a.m. track and field, academics, sixth-period track and field, soccer club practice, SkillsUSA, plus he’s taking a college class twice a week.”
These accomplishments have brought Coach Castro tremendous pride and inspiration.
“I’m proud of the way he carries himself, the way he approaches his daily routines and the fact that he follows his parent’s guidance and listens to us,” Coach Castro explained.
Likewise, having his father as his coach has taught Leelen many lessons and inspired him in unimaginable ways.
“He’s taught me to always be responsible, be respectful and never bring anyone down — especially your teammates,” Leelen said. “He also inspires me by being a role model to me and an overall great person. I want to be like him and be a role model to upcoming ninth graders, so that when I leave the team, I can leave standards.”
Though privileged to have his father as coach, Leelen continues to prove his worth through dedication and hard work, inspiring teammates and setting a high standard for future players.
This article originally appeared in the Fall 2024 print edition.
