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Cumberland University

Santiago Garcia Castro

Santiago Garcia Castro begins his second season as assistant coach for the Men's soccer program in 2025. His first year at Cumberland was riddled with success as he was the Phoenix's graduate assistant and goalkeeper coach, helping to win the Mid-South Conference Championship. Making a massive impact on Jack McCarthy, the shot stopper was able to grab three straight MSC Defensive Player of the Week Awards with the guidance of Castro.

The Medellin, Colombia import has a dual-citizenship and has spent much of his coaching and playing career in the northeast. Playing soccer in college, Castro first competed at both the Philadelphia Union and FC Delco Academies but finished his college career at NCAA DI Rider University in New Jersey, graduating with his degree in Business Administration in 2019.

While at Rider he was a part of a team that won two MAAC Conference Championships and made two NCAA National Tournament appearances. Continuing his playing career after college, Castro played for NPSL side Duluth FC in Duluth, Minnesota where his side won their Regional Conference and made it to their National Tournament.

Before coming to Cumberland, Castro coached at Vereinigung Erzgebirge where he was assistant coach to the Under-23's team. He has also worked for the French scouting organization, B.C. Football Agency, in his home country of Colombia, hoping to identify talented players.

Most recently Castro worked in operations for the Argentinian National Team during their stay in New York while competing in the Copa America this summer, which they were able to win in a tight match with Colombia.