(FREDERICTON, NB) The UNB REDS women’s soccer team is naming midfielder Yasmin Castillo to their recruiting class of 2024.
The 17-year-old, from Milton, Ontario, has signed a U SPORTS Letter of Intent, and will join the REDS ahead of the 2024 Atlantic University Sport season.
“Yasmin is a very exciting player joining us next fall,” said REDS’ head coach Jon Crossland. “She has an attacking mindset and very good technical ability that will provide us a dangerous player going forward.”
Currently in her Grade 12 year at Milton District High School, Castillo captained the Mustangs to a regional junior girls’ championship in 2022 while earning team MVP honours.
A veteran member of the Erin Mills Soccer Club and Scrosoppi FC, Castillo has been part of teams that have won titles at the Ontario Indoor Cup, the Umbro Top Rated Showcase, the Ottawa Champions Showcase, Ohio’s Blue Chip Showcase, the New York Cup Showcase, and the Canada Youth Cup Showcase.
Individually, she was identified for Ontario’s Xcel Program trials and earned a player of the match nod during the 2023 Canada Youth Cup, in Halifax.
“Her club experience has been high quality,” said Coach Crossland. “We look forward to her bringing her competitive attributes to our team.”
“I believe I can help strengthen the midfield as I am creative on the attack and I can identify when to unlock the forwards,” said Castillo. “I believe I can continue being a playmaker as a RED and able to set the tone, while controlling the middle.”
Among Castillo’s short-term goals, building chemistry quickly and earning a starting spot. Long-term, she wants to become a key player for the team in future years and help the team win championships.
“She said Fredericton felt like home when she visited and that level of comfort and happiness should allow her to excel here,” said Coach Crossland. “Yasmin is a great addition who, I believe, will be a popular player for young fans in our community to watch.”
Castillo will join UNB’s Arts faculty and study Criminology and Criminal Justice.
STORY BY: Andy Campbell/UNB Athletics
PHOTOS BY: UNB Athletics