Makayla Castro enters her second year as an assistant coach in Amber Haver's CIU women's volleyball program after helping take the program to new heights in 2021. Castro helped the Rams go 34-9 in her first season in Columbia as CIU took home their first Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) Regular-Season title and the 2021 NCCAA Women's Volleyball National Championship. Castro was instrumental in player development as the Rams also made their first-ever NAIA National Championship Tournament appearance.
A native of Scotts Bluff, Neb., Castro played two years at the junior college level at Garden City Community College in Garden City, Kas., where she was an all-conference libero for the Broncbusters. After her stint at the NJCAA level, Castro finished her career with two years at NCAA DII Chowan (N.C.). While at Chowan, Castro was named Second Team All-CIAA as a junior after transitioning from libero to an outside hitter for the Hawks.Â
Castro began her coaching career as a volunteer assistant at her alma mater Chowan. Castro then headed south to Keiser (Fla.), where in her second year as a graduate assistant, the Seahawks had a program-best 36-2 record and an NAIA National Championship Tournament appearance in 2020.Â
Castro holds an undergraduate degree in recreation, wellness, and sport management from Chowan and a master's in organizational leadership from Keiser.
