Ed Snider Youth Hockey & Education is proud of the work that our staff do on and off the ice. In order to spotlight the outstanding effort they put into the organization, we regularly interview a staff member about their time with Snider.
Our latest Staff Spotlight features Rosie Castro, Alumni Coach. Rosie is an Alumni of Snider and currently coaches the G19u travel team!
How did you get involved in hockey in the first place?
My parents used to put us in all types of sports, but when we found hockey it stuck with me. We lived closed to Scanlon so we would walk there. I started playing for Snider around 6 or 7.
How did you first get involved with Snider?
When my parents introduced us to Scanlon, we were kids running around all the time. When we found Snider, it gave us a safe space to play and be active in the sport. Once our parents signed me and my three brothers up, it was the best moment.
What is your favorite memory with Snider?
Being the head coach of 19U and just being there for the girls. It’s a lot of fun and work, but it’s all worth it once I see them graduate from high school and some of them go into college. It’s bonds that won’t ever break and it’s a blessing to see these girls grow into young ladies.
Were there any coaches that inspired you to coach today?
Coach Casey and Coach Sam Barcis changed my life once I met them. They always made sure I was good as a kid and kept me on track on ice and off the ice. I am very grateful to have amazing coaches like that. They made sure I stayed in school and helped me mentally to stay strong through anything.
What is the best piece of professional advice you have received?
To be yourself and don’t let nothing negative affect me. They tell you it’s okay to make mistakes, just don’t make it consistent and learn from it. You always want to be the best version of yourself for the kids.
What do you look forward to most about coming to work at Snider?
Coaching travel hockey. It’s a blessing to know that the kids come to me for help and having some of the best coaches by my side and making it fun always.
What is a valuable lesson you’ve learned from your work?
That I’m not always right and I can learn from the kids. To always make sure you keep your head up and to always work together. You cannot do anything by yourself.
