Leader. Athletic. Versatile. Dynamic. Outstanding.

Those are words that volleyball Head Coach Jody Brown thought of when asked to describe senior Krystena Castro, a middle blocker on the dreary 4-15 Owls.

Castro has been one of few bright spots for the Owls this season, a season that will cap off an excellent five-year athletic career with FAU.

Castro was originally recruited to play volleyball, but with no volleyball scholarships available, she was offered one for track. Castro accepted, and she quickly dominated, setting records for indoor shot put and outdoor discus.

Despite her success with track, Castro knew she ultimately wanted to play volleyball, and after her freshman year, she was offered and accepted a four-year scholarship for volleyball, a decision she does not regret.

“I love volleyball because of the strategizing, the rush I get from playing, the ability to showboat — because I like to do that from time to time — and my teammates,” said Castro, who is double-majoring in multimedia journalism and political science.

Castro’s love for her teammates is evident, as she helps guide new players through their initial seasons. Her leadership abilities have grown exponentially and are traits that Brown admires in the 6-foot player.

“She’s one of those kids that gets her stuff done so that she can be there for everyone else,” said Brown. “She is a leader by example, a very vocal leader, and she encourages and is supportive. If a teammate messes up, she is the first to be there for them and make sure they are alright, because it is a long game. She is not the type to get all in-your-face because you did something wrong.”

For Castro, however, that aspect of her personality is something she adopted over the past seasons with FAU.

“One thing I can say has improved over the past four years is my ability to use restraint. I used to be the type of person who didn’t think before I spoke,” said the Nanuet, N.Y., native.

Just as she has shown maturity off the court, Castro has grown on the court as well. Brown believes her player is significantly better at reading the game and has developed tremendously through her years at FAU.

But Castro, who is the only Owl to have started in all of FAU’s 19 games thus far this season, admits she still has a weakness in her game.

“I would like to become a better blocker,” said Castro via e-mail. “I mean, my position is called a middle blocker, and although I do enjoy giving facials, meaning hitting the ball as hard as I can into someone’s face, blocking is also an essential part of the game that is also one of the most difficult skills.”

With only seven games remaining in FAU’s season, there is not much time for Castro to improve in that facet of the game. No matter, though, as she has already left a long-lasting effect on her teammates and coach, both on and off the court.