SMC Athletics Hires Makayla Castro to Lead Volleyball Program

Makayla Castro Hired as the New Indoor & Beach Volleyball Coach

Spartanburg, SC – Spartanburg Methodist College athletic director Megan Aiello announced today the program has hired Makayla Castro as the new indoor and beach volleyball coach.

"I am excited to welcome Makayla to the Pioneer family. She has built a very impressive resume that shows her ability to recruit and develop standout players," Aiello said. "With her experience and success at the collegiate level, we are confident that she will make an immediate positive impact on our student-athletes and is the perfect person to advance this program."

Castro comes to Spartanburg Methodist College from Columbia International University, where she spent the last two seasons as the Rams assistant coach. During her time at CIU, she helped lead the program to some record-breaking accomplishments. In just two seasons, the Rams went 72-18, won two Appalachian Athletic Conference Regular Season Championships, one Appalachian Athletic Conference Tournament Championship, made two NAIA National Tournament appearances, and won an NCCAA National Championship title.  In addition, Castro assisted the Rams in earning numerous individual and team awards, including an AAC Setter and Freshman of the Year, an AAC Tournament MVP, NCCAA Player of the Year, and an NAIA First-Team All-American.

Prior to joining the CIU staff, Castro spent two years as a graduate assistant at Keiser University.  The Seahawks saw much success during her time, posting a combined 65-12 record, two Sun Conference Regular Season Championships, one Sun Conference Tournament Championship, and an appearance in the NAIA National Tournament.

"I'm excited to join the Pioneer family because the volleyball program already knows what it feels like to be a winning team, proving they have great potential and the drive to be successful. SMC's Athletic Administration has set a high bar when it comes to adopting a culture of success, which is something that I greatly admire and am so excited to be a part of," Castro said.  "I am so thankful for Athletic Director Megan Aiello and the hiring committee for believing and trusting in me to take this program to the next level."

Castro earned her Associate of Science degree from Garden City Community College, Bachelor of Science in Recreation, Wellness, and Sport with a Minor in Coaching from Chowan University, and a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from Keiser University.