Name: Josue Castillo
Age: 30
Position: Outside Hitter
High School (Graduation Year): Garfield High School (2007)
High School Accolades: First team All-League, First team All-Area, and 3rd team All-State
College Career (Graduation Year): Ramapo College of New Jersey (2013)
Major: Spanish Language Studies
Professional Volleyball Career: Team Freedom
What made you choose volleyball?
My first love was basketball, but volleyball came naturally to me. Once I tried it and did well, I was hooked.
Tips:
What is your advice to high school players in general?
Become a complete player regardless of your position. Work to master all the skills to compete at a high level.
Advice to the guys who play your position?
Attacker
It’s easy to want to take the credit for getting kills, but so much happens before the kill that allows you to be successful. Acknowledge your passers and setters!
If you could give tips to high school players on the following skills, what would you say?
Passing
Don’t focus on trying to make a perfect pass. Focus on giving your setter a great opportunity to run the offense with as many options as possible.
Defense
Positioning on the court and reading the hitter are the most important parts of defense.
Hitting
Be smart. If you did not get a great set, pick a good spot and give your defense a chance to earn you the point.
Blocking
Keep your head up and see what is happening. It will help you adjust in the air. (easier said than done)
Serving
Practice serving seams and the perimeter of the court. In
high-level volleyball there will not be a “weak” passer. A good serve to the
seam or perimeter of the court will always challenge your opponent.