SAAC Spotlight: Lexi Castellano – Soccer
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – University of Miami soccer player Lexi Castellano is an active member in the Hurricanes’ Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. See how Miami SAAC has helped this Hurricane sophomore prepare for life after graduation in this week’s SAAC Spotlight.
Why are you a part of SAAC?
“Because I love to help and be apart of a student-athlete community designed to look out for other student athletes. I also love having that sense of community and I feel that SAAC not only gives me a sense of family and community, but also allows me to do what I love, which is helping others.”
What is your major and what has been your favorite class so far at UM?
“Sports Administration is my major and so far my favorite class has been biological basis for physical activity and health, because its super interesting learning about the human body and how it operates under certain circumstances and why.”
What is your favorite memory about SAAC (community service, an event, etc.)?
“It has to be the Dunkin for Pumpkins last year. Helping children pick a pumpkin out of the pool, decorate it, and play around with them was a great experience.”
What is your favorite moment in your sport as a Hurricane?
“Starting my sophomore year in my first game against FIU. I had never started before that game.”
Which SAAC development events have helped you the most and why?
“The SAAC development event that I found helped me the most was the financial literacy event. This event really helped me understand and grasp the fact of how essential it is to be aware of your budget and money. I had no idea of certain apps and ways to help budget myself and the speaker really elaborated on key points that will definitely help me manage my money.”
What do you enjoy the most about the SAAC meetings?
“The vibe. Everyone is always so happy and loving and once you walk into a meeting you get a sense of community and family. Everyone is friends and gets along. Sometimes if I am having a rough day, I can always rely on a SAAC meeting to brighten my mood.”
How do you think your team has benefitted from having a SAAC?
“We have benefited from SAAC because we enjoy branching into the community and helping others. I believe that SAAC has allowed for our team to feel the need to help and be there for each other and others in the community.”
Describe your time volunteering in Vietnam?
“Vietnam was one of the best experiences in my life. To begin, I went into this volunteering experience completely blinded, only knowing which airport I was going to and who I was going to meet. After the first week I was exhausted and could not believe I had a few weeks left. I realized how much work it was to teach these sixth and seventh graders a sport as well as an academic course. I learned so many new things on this journey and created bonds as well as friendships that I will cherish for the rest of my life. Each and every child I worked with touched my heart and will always be an awesome memory in my life. By the last week, I did not want to leave! I became so close with the children and my fellow volunteers that I wanted to stay and continue to have an impact on their lives. When I got home, I realized how much I missed them, and how much they impacted my life. I still stay in touch with some of the students as well as the other volunteers and I will always be forever grateful to have been able to teach those children.”
What is a fun fact about yourself?
“My stepfather adopted me three years ago and I have three younger siblings: Max (4), Valentina (7), and Lucas (8).
