Archbishop McCarthy’s Castillo is Broward Boys’ Volleyball Player of the Year
Archbishop McCarthy’s Nicholas Castillo wasn’t sure what to expect from his team entering this past volleyball season.
Castillo, a 6-foot, 4-inch junior middle hitter, felt like more of a complete player after a club season in which he increased his versatility playing on all sides of the court.
But the Mavericks were a younger team than the prior season with less overall experience.
It didn’t stop McCarthy from reaching heights it hadn’t in several years.
Propelled by Castillo’s dominance, the Mavericks won 20 matches and made it to the state final four for the first time since 2019.
As such, Castillo is the Miami Herald’s Broward County Boys’ Volleyball Player of the Year.
“The season didn’t start off too bad. I was not expecting us to get to the state final four so the season turned out pretty good,” Castillo said.
Castillo was a major factor on McCarthy’s run, which included a 10-game winning streak heading into the state tournament.
It was that program’s first trip to the final four since 2019 as they were seeking their first state title since 2016.
Castillo totaled 386 kills and 71 blocks to lead the Mavericks to a 20-9 record, winning district and regional championships along the way. McCarthy then battled perennial state powerhouse Winter Park Lake Howell to four sets before losing in the Class 2A state semifinals as Lake Howell went on to repeat as state champions.
But for Castillo, it was a valuable experience, he and his teammates hope to build upon for next year as he is expected to return and be at the forefront of a talented young roster.
“We learned a lot throughout the season and that we have to keep up our energy and keep a positive attitude in all of our games,” Castillo said.
