Jake Castro joins the Panthers, bringing along a wealth of experience and education in the game. Throughout his playing career, Castro played in the UPSL, US Development Academy, and on nationally ranked club teams earning multiple state, regional, and national cup titles. Castro spent his collegiate career at The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth where he pursued a degree in business management/entrepreneurship. Between the lines, he earned 5 LEC Goalkeeper of the Week awards, one LEC Conference Team honor, and named NCAA DIII National Player of the Week. 

Following his collegiate career, Castro joined the staff for the remainder of the school year as an assistant working with both the team and goalkeepers. Throughout his time as a student, Castro worked in the sport full-time, working with various organizations in the north east including Bruno United, Juventus Academy Boston, Resendes Soccer Academy, and amateur men’s side Fall River FC, all in technical staff roles. Castro currently works with Miami’s own Miami FC where he takes up multiple roles in youth development. He is currently active as a club director, academy head coach, academy goalkeeper coach, and assistant USL Academy coach, helping to bridge the gap between the youth academy and professional USL Championship team.

Castro currently holds both a US Soccer Federation (USSF) and FA Wales C license (UEFA) along with certifications in goalkeeping and director of coaching from the United Soccer Coaches organization. He recently spent time in the GK nexus mentorship program where he worked closely with Eric Steele, ex Premier League goalkeeper coach and English FA instructor, in order to develop a deeper understanding of the role of the goalkeeper coach. Castro hopes to pursue both his USSF and UEFA B license in the near future.