FROM THE BATTLEFIELD TO THE BASEBALL FIELD
Misael Castillo, a New Jersey native, has a far more adventurous story than the average college student.
After graduating high school in 2015, Castillo took a road less traveled, enlisting in the U.S. Armed Forces at age 18.
“Having family members who also served in the military, it was a dream of mine to do the same,” said Castillo. “Serving my country has always been something for which I have passion.”
Castillo served in the Army National Guard for nearly four years, learning much of what it takes to protect an entire nation in the process. Following his stint in the military, he returned home to play Division II baseball for the Cumberland County College Dukes.
“Having the opportunity to serve my country is something I have and will continue to do,” said Castillo. “I want to protect this country for as long as I can, in whatever way I can.”
After Castillo played as a student athlete for the Dukes in New Jersey for two full seasons, Lynn’s baseball head coach Rudy Garbalosa and assistant coach Chris Piperno took notice. Due to Castillo’s success at the Division II level in mind, the two chose to offer him a spot on the Fighting Knight roster.
“Since I was six-years-old, I have always had the dream of playing college baseball in Florida,” said Castillo. “Fulfilling that dream by coming to Lynn has definitely become my biggest accomplishment.”
With this dream fueling him, Castillo chose Lynn following an official visit in July. Identifying strongly with the athletic and academic opportunities across campus, he was certain he found the ideal landing spot.
Although he discovered the ideal university, the transition from the northeast to South Florida presented numerous challenges for Lynn baseball’s new arrival. Still, Castillo hopes to use his talent and hard work to be a strong addition to the team.
Now preparing for the upcoming season alongside his new teammates, Castillo plans to apply many of the lessons he learned in the Armed Forces to the baseball diamond. To keep tabs on him and the rest of the Lynn baseball program, individuals can visit lynnfightingknights.com.
