Jacqueline Luna-Castro, Student Athlete

Being a student athlete can be extremely challenging, having to balance school, sports, and a social life. College of Charleston's own Jacqueline Luna-Castro shows 'em how it's done as the starting power forward for the Cougar's women's basketball team.

Jacqueline Luna-Castro, 21, Junior, Communication Major

Luna-Castro is from Boise, Idaho and began playing basketball in the third grade. In her youth, spending time with friends and family, going to the beach and shopping, playing volleyball and softball, and watching her favorite soccer teams, Luna-Castro found her heart in basketball.

Luna-Castro attended Boise Senior High School where her basketball career found fruition. She earned three varsity letters in basketball, was named the 2010-2011 Gatorade Idaho girls basketball player of the year, the Southern Idaho Conference player of the year, and the MVP of Boise Senior High School. She helped her team to an undefeated regular season and the district championship, and was named to the Idaho State 1^st team.

Boise Senior High School Girl's Basketball Team

During her high school tenure, Luna-Castro was recruited by Boise State, Seattle University, Long Beach State, Montana State, University of Montana, University of San Francisco, University of Portland, and Portland State. However, she began her college career at the University of California at Santa Barbara, where she played in 25 games for the Gauchos and helped them to win the Big West Championship.

Luna-Castro and the Big West Championship Trophy

Through recruitment, Luna-Castro earned a division one basketball scholarship to the College of Charleston. Luna-Castro is now the starting power forward for the women's basketball program. “I love playing power forward because it allows me to play on the block and also extend out so that I can shoot,” she explained.

Luna-Castro's Cougar Jump Shot

Considering these accomplishments, one would be surprised to find out that Luna-Castro has played for four different coaching staffs, two at UCSB and two at the College of Charleston. This has caused some difficulty for Luna-Castro as she “can't really get comfortable.”

Luna-Castro came to the College of Charleston during Natasha Adair's (2012 – 2014) stay as head coach. However, earlier this year Adair left C of C for the head coaching job at Georgetown. This was surprising to the women's basketball team because “[they] found out through social media.” Candice Jackson was appointed as the new head coach, and she is Luna-Castro's favorite so far because “she is challenging but realistic, I am finally getting better.”

Luna-Castro contributes her ability to be successful through these challenges to the lessons her parents taught her growing up. “They taught me to work hard, be selfless, appreciate your family and friends, and always do the right thing,” she said.

Luna-Castro aspires to be in the WNBA and play basketball for a living. After a successful basketball career, Luna-Castro would love to “have [her] own business or non profit.” “I enjoy doing community service and spending time with the homeless and with animals,” she said. If she were not playing basketball, she “would probably be even more active in the community.”

“I think it's really important to enjoy your life, the people around you, stay positive, help others, and work hard to be the best version of you and accomplish your goals,” she said.