BRISTOL, Tenn. – King University Athletics is excited to announce the hiring of Christian Castro as the new head coach for the Tornado women's soccer program. Castro brings a proven track record of program transformation, player development, and competitive success at both the NCAA and NJCAA levels.
"We began this process by defining the coach we were specifically looking for. I want to thank our committee for the countless hours they spent invested in this search," said
Jose Larios, Vice President of Athletics. "We had many strong candidates, but Christian stood out due to his strong mission-alignment, dynamic spirit, and his clear articulation of a holistic approach to building a Christ-honoring, character-driven program that will seek to compete at a high level. We are excited to welcome Christian to the Tornado family."
Castro arrives at King after seven years of coaching experience, including five seasons in the collegiate ranks. Known for his tactical clarity, leadership, and deep commitment to holistic student-athlete growth, he has quickly established himself as a dynamic leader and motivator.
"I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to join King University. The Lord's guidance has been evident throughout this journey. This opportunity means a great deal to me, and I want to sincerely thank our Athletic Director,
Jose Larios, and the search committee for allowing me to be a part of something special in Bristol. I look forward to what the Lord has in store for King women's soccer," said Castro.
Castro's collegiate journey began at NCAA Division III Saint Elizabeth University, where he served as an assistant coach and Head of Individual Development. There, he helped lead the team to its best season in program history. He went on to Sussex County Community College, where he rebuilt both the men's and women's programs from the ground up—transforming the men's team from a winless season to regional playoff contenders and laying a strong foundation for the women's team's future.
Most recently, Castro served as head men's and women's coach at Ecclesia College, guiding the program to its first NCCAA National Championship berth since 2019 and achieving the school's highest-ever ranking. His teams have been recognized for their resilience, teamwork, and rapid progress.
A USSF B License candidate, Castro is respected for his strong recruiting, player development, and the ability to elevate programs to NCAA Division II standards. He has mentored under UEFA and USSF A-licensed coaches known for building strong team cultures rooted in character and performance.
The King University community is thrilled to welcome Coach Castro and looks forward to the continued growth and success of the women's soccer program under his leadership.
