Like most twins, Carlos and Mario Castro do just about everything together, but playing soccer easily tops the list.
The 16-year-olds compete in the sport they love just about year-round, spending the club season with the Colorado Storm and suiting up for Hinkley during the high school season.
The Castros helped lead the Thunderbirds to the Class 5A state playoffs last season and served as team captains this season as juniors. Hinkley fell short of a repeat playoff berth, but the twins helped them stay competitive in the vastly improved East Metro Athletic Conference. Both scored twice on a nearly identical number of shots.
Off the field, the Castros are part of Hinkley’s International Baccalaureate program. Carlos has a 4.1 weighted GPA, while Mario is at 3.86.
What is your favorite high school memory, athletically or otherwise?
Carlos: Playing in my first playoff game last year against Legend was very memorable. I have played in big games before and since then, but playoff soccer brings a new level of excitement.
Mario: Playing on varsity against our biggest rival Central my freshman year. It was an exciting experience that I will never forget.
What is the biggest sacrifice you have to make to play your sport?
Carlos: Time is the biggest sacrifice I’ve had to make. I play soccer all year long for high school and for club. It consumes a large part of my life.
Mario: Playing both club and high school soccer on top of homework, I don’t have much time to relax and be a teenager. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
What’s the best piece of advice ever given to you in sports or in life?
Carlos: My parents have always encouraged me to do what I love and what makes me happy. I would rather do nothing and be happy than do something I know I don’t love.
Mario: The best piece of advice I have been given is to always do what you love. I never felt pressured by my parents or anyone to play sports. I do it for the love of the game.
Are you a leader? If so, what do you think makes a good leader in yourself or others?
Carlos: I consider myself a leader. As a captain this year, I learned that to obtain success, you must first earn the trust of your teammates and then continue to lead with actions on and off the field.
Mario: I am a leader and I know my teammates would agree. Being a captain this year showed me that to be a leader you can’t just talk about the right way to do something. You have to show it and lead by example.
Do you have any quirks or superstitions when it comes to your sport or in life in general?
Carlos: My grandparents, who unfortunately passed away one and two years ago, are my inspiration for everything I do. I wrote their initials on the stays for my shin guards so they are always close to me.
Mario: My brother and I both pay tribute to our grandparents every game. We have written their initials on our shin guard stays. Every game before the opening whistle, I think of them as I kiss my hands and touch their initials. I can’t start a game without it.
If you listen to music before a game, what gets you most ready for competition?
Carlos: I like to listen to Drake and J. Cole before games because their music inspires me. Also, I visualize the game in my head just think about all of the things I’m going to do.
Mario: For big games, I use music to get me ready. My song of choice is “Look What You’ve Done” by Drake. The words make me appreciate the sacrifices my parents make for me to play soccer. I’m ready to go after I hear it.
What’s a sport you’ve always wanted to try, but haven’t and why haven’t you?
Carlos: I’m a big football fan and have always wanted to play for a team, but it conflicts with soccer. Maybe I should put some pads and be the kicker!
Mario: I have always wanted to play football. When I was younger it always interfered with soccer and I couldn’t do both. However maybe next year Hinkley will need a punter/kicker!
If you could pick a person living or dead to spend a day with, who would it be and why?
Carlos: I would want to spend a day with my mom. Our house gets pretty hectic, so a nice day with her would mean a lot to me. She is the strongest woman I have ever met, so I thank and love her very much.
Mario: I would want to spend a day with my late grandpa. He lived in Arizona my whole life, so I wasn’t as close with him as I would have liked, but he was the whole reason I began playing soccer.
Other than sports, do you have another true passion in life and if so, what is it and why?
Carlos: Although sports are very important to me, I also value family and education. Getting a good education will open doors for me that sports can’t, and my family will support me every step of the way.
Mario: Another true passion of mine is my family. Not only my twin brother but my parents and older brothers as well. They have supported me in not only soccer but in school and life as well.
What do you see yourself doing in 10 years?
Carlos: In 10 years, I picture myself with a wife, starting a family and with a career I enjoy. Either that or maybe I’ll just be a rapper, I’m not entirely sure yet.
Mario: I see myself having a stable career. Whether in soccer or another venture, I just want to have a career that I enjoy going to everyday. I have not decided what that career will be yet.
Reach Sports Editor Courtney Oakes at 303-750-7555 or sports@aurorasentinel.com
