The 2019 campaign marked the third season in the Jose "Tito" Castillo era as head women's soccer coach at York College.
The Cardinals closed out 2019 unbeaten in four of their final six games to finish the year with a record of 3-11-1. Castillo also developed the program's first-ever CUNYAC Rookie of the Year selection in Gisselle Flores-Barajas, who produced a team-leading 23 points and 11 goals to rank 48th in the nation in goals per game (0.85). Chelsea Vasquez, who represented York on the CUNYAC Sportsmanship Team, ranked 48th in the nation in saves per game (7.87). In the classroom, Castillo's program garnered a CUNYAC Scholar-Athlete of the Year Honorable Mention selection for the second-straight year.
In just his second season with the Cardinals, Castillo developed the program's second-ever CUNYAC Sportsmanship Award honoree as Geraldine Guese was recognized with the 2018 honor.
“I am very excited to welcome Coach Castillo and his family to York College," said York College Director of Athletics & Recreation, Deneé Barracato. "He has a strong playing and coaching background, and I'm confident he has what it takes to lead our women's soccer program to the next level.”
“We anticipate that Coach Castillo will have an immediate impact, not only on our soccer program, but on our department. He has close-knit soccer relationships that will help transform our program into a top-notch contender in the conference. We are very fortunate to have Coach Castillo on our team.”
Castillo arrived on campus with over 12 years of soccer coaching experience, which included four years as an NCAA Division II assistant coach at Molloy College. From 2010-14, Castillo coordinated and ran daily practice sessions, scouted opponents and recruited student-athletes for the Lions.
With coaching experience gained from working for the New York Cosmos Training and Development Program from 2013-17 and the Albertson Soccer Club since 2005, Castillo holds coaching licenses from the United Soccer Coaches (NSCAA), USSF, and USYSA.
In addition, Castillo was a very successful player during his collegiate days at Adelphi University and LIU-Post. While at Adelphi, Castillo started and played in all 33 games during his two years as member of the NCAA Division I program. As a freshman, Castillo scored two goals and two assists, finishing fifth on the team in scoring with a total of six points. Castillo transferred to LIU Post, where he served the teams as a two-year captain and starting defender. In 2005, Castillo led the Pioneers to a NYCAC (ECC) Championship and an appearance in the ECAC Championship game. He followed in 2006 with a spot on the Daktronics NCAA Division II All-Northeast Region Team as a defender after helping LIU-Post to a 12-4-4 record capped by an NCAA Tournament appearance. The Pioneers were ranked in the top 25 for six consecutive weeks with their highest ranking coming in at 15. Castillo was also named the East Coast Conference Preseason Defender of the Year that season. Staring at the Wheatley School, Castillo was a All-New York State selection and a two-time All-Nassau County honoree. In 2002, Castillo led Wheatley to the New York State final after capturing the Nassau County Championship.
"I want to thank Deneé Barracato and the rest of the athletic department for giving me the opportunity to lead the women's soccer team at York College," said Castillo. "I am looking forward to implementing a strong identity and style of play, and a culture of recruiting student-athletes that fit the expectations of our program. Positive attitude and hard work are going to be key to successfully compete within the CUNYAC. GO CARDINALS!"
