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Photo Credit: Barry Athletic Communications
Castro Joins the Women’s Soccer Coaching Staff
1/31/2026 10:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Messing Family Head Coach for Brown Varsity Women's Soccer Kia McNeill announced the hiring of Jake Castro as assistant coach on Jan. 29. Castro joins College Hill after a season as an assistant coach on the Barry coaching staff.
"I'm excited to welcome Jake Castro to Brown and work alongside him as we continue to build our program," McNeill said. "His experience developing goalkeepers, along with his understanding of the standards and accountability required for sustained success, aligns seamlessly with what we have established as a team. Jake's passion for player development and video analysis will be a real asset to our staff, and I'm looking forward to the impact he will have on our players and our program moving forward."
In 2025, Barry went 5-5-9 and qualified for the Sunshine State Conference Tournament. Before his time in Miami Gardens, Castro was a member of FIU's coaching staff for two seasons (2023-24). In 2023, FIU qualified for the Conference USA Playoffs for the first time in a decade, while recording the most goals scored, the fewest goals conceded, and a program-best seven All-Conference selections. His impact extended across the roster, contributing to the development of C-USA Player of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year Noemi Paquin, C-USA Defensive Player of the Year Reagan Bridges, three First Team All-Conference selections, and five Second Team All-Conference selections.
"I want to thank Kia and the entire staff for trusting me with the opportunity to contribute to such a special program," Castro said. "This role is a great culture fit for me, and I'm excited to work alongside a staff that is aligned in values, standards, and a clear vision for the program. I have strong confidence in the direction Brown Women's Soccer is heading and in my role and how I can best contribute within that structure. Growing up just 25 minutes from campus, I value the opportunity to give back to this community and contribute to the University in a meaningful way. I'm excited to get started working with the players and supporting their development as we continue building a program that competes at the highest level in the Ivy League and across the region."
Castro spent time within the academy at Miami FC, supporting the staff in analysis and goalkeeper development, while helping bridge academy talent into the professional setup. Additionally, he spent time as the director of coaching at Hollywood FC.
He earned his Bachelor of Science in small business management/entrepreneurship from UMass Dartmouth and holds UEFA A and UEFA B licenses.
BROWN UNIVERSITY SPORTS FOUNDATION
The Brown University Sports Foundation (BUSF) is the backbone of our athletics program, playing a crucial role in enhancing the student-athlete experience. This is possible through philanthropic support from our alumni, parents, fans, and friends. Your gift through the Sports Foundation can immediately impact today's Brown Bears, helping them excel in the classroom, in competition, and, most importantly, in the community. Please click here to learn more about how you can support the Bears.
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"I'm excited to welcome Jake Castro to Brown and work alongside him as we continue to build our program," McNeill said. "His experience developing goalkeepers, along with his understanding of the standards and accountability required for sustained success, aligns seamlessly with what we have established as a team. Jake's passion for player development and video analysis will be a real asset to our staff, and I'm looking forward to the impact he will have on our players and our program moving forward."
In 2025, Barry went 5-5-9 and qualified for the Sunshine State Conference Tournament. Before his time in Miami Gardens, Castro was a member of FIU's coaching staff for two seasons (2023-24). In 2023, FIU qualified for the Conference USA Playoffs for the first time in a decade, while recording the most goals scored, the fewest goals conceded, and a program-best seven All-Conference selections. His impact extended across the roster, contributing to the development of C-USA Player of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year Noemi Paquin, C-USA Defensive Player of the Year Reagan Bridges, three First Team All-Conference selections, and five Second Team All-Conference selections.
"I want to thank Kia and the entire staff for trusting me with the opportunity to contribute to such a special program," Castro said. "This role is a great culture fit for me, and I'm excited to work alongside a staff that is aligned in values, standards, and a clear vision for the program. I have strong confidence in the direction Brown Women's Soccer is heading and in my role and how I can best contribute within that structure. Growing up just 25 minutes from campus, I value the opportunity to give back to this community and contribute to the University in a meaningful way. I'm excited to get started working with the players and supporting their development as we continue building a program that competes at the highest level in the Ivy League and across the region."
Castro spent time within the academy at Miami FC, supporting the staff in analysis and goalkeeper development, while helping bridge academy talent into the professional setup. Additionally, he spent time as the director of coaching at Hollywood FC.
He earned his Bachelor of Science in small business management/entrepreneurship from UMass Dartmouth and holds UEFA A and UEFA B licenses.
BROWN UNIVERSITY SPORTS FOUNDATION
The Brown University Sports Foundation (BUSF) is the backbone of our athletics program, playing a crucial role in enhancing the student-athlete experience. This is possible through philanthropic support from our alumni, parents, fans, and friends. Your gift through the Sports Foundation can immediately impact today's Brown Bears, helping them excel in the classroom, in competition, and, most importantly, in the community. Please click here to learn more about how you can support the Bears.
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL
For the latest on Brown Athletics, please follow @BrownU_Bears on X and @BrownU_Bears on Instagram. Like BrownUBears on Facebook and subscribe to the BrownAthletics YouTube channel.
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