Bio

Rio Hondo College Dean of Kinesiology & Athletics has announced the hiring of Maria Castro as the Roadrunners’ new Athletic Director, beginning the fall 2024 sports season.

Castro comes to Whittier from nearby Cerritos College in Norwalk where she most recently served as its athletic director since 2019 and oversaw an athletic department of 19 teams.

In 2023, Castro helped guide the launch of the women’s wrestling program. The Falcons’ wrestling team captured both the dual team state title as well as the overall state championship in its first season of competition.

Prior to the role of athletic director, Castro was a one of the college’s certified athletic trainers for six years.

Castro graduated with a bachelor’s degree in athletic training from California State University, Fullerton in 1992 and received her master’s degree in kinesiology in 1994 from UNLV.

After becoming a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) in 1992, Castro worked at UC Irvine, UCLA, St. John Bosco High School, and Riverside Community College. She was also a volunteer for the US Women’s Water Polo team from 1996-2000. 

Castro is an active member of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association and is a preceptor for the athletic training program at Cal State University, Long Beach. She also currently serves as the President for the California Community College Athletic Trainers Association (3CATA).