Ana Castillo is in her senior year at Campbell and has helped lead the Camels to a 9-4 record in Big South play over the last two seasons. A native of Maracay-Aragua, Venezuela, Ana recently sat down with Campbell Athletics Communications student assistant Ashley Goddard to provide some insight into college tennis and herself.
Question: What is one of your favorite things about the sport of tennis?
Ana Castillo: My favorite thing about tennis is college tennis. I always thought that the individuality of tennis was my favorite thing, but since I started playing D1 college tennis, I realize that I love competing by having the individual work but also playing for teammates. The excitement of clinching a college match is amazing.
Q: What type of court you like to play on? Why?
AC: My favorite surface is hard court. I have always played, and my game is adapted to it. I like to change the rhythm by hitting slices, dropshots and moving forward to the net. I find it easier with the placement of the ball and keep the points short.
Q: Did you play any other sports when you were younger?
AC: I have been playing tennis since I was 4 years old, since my older sister also played tennis. I haven't played any other sports.
Q: Who do you look up to? Why?
AC: I look up to my sister. She is 6 years older than me and she is my role model, because she is very smart, focused and she is disciplined. Every goal she sets for herself, she achieves it because she works hard. She has always helped me and guided me since I am small, and I really want to be like her when setting and following my goals.
Q: Do you have a nickname? How did you receive the nickname?
AC: I have two nicknames. Anita is one of them and it means little Ana, and it is because I was the youngest kid in the tennis club practicing tennis. Also, my family calls me Nani, because my sister started calling me that.
Q: What is one thing you miss about Venezuela?
AC: My family and food, especially the food that my family cooks. Traditional food from Venezuela is very, especially the homemade. The one I miss the most is arepas. Obviously, I miss my parents since they remind me of my country and all the fun stuff we do when I go there to visit.
Q: What are your favorite family traditions and why?
AC: My favorite tradition is Secret Santa. Christmas is an important holiday for us, and during this time my whole family organizes a Secret Santa and it's very fun.
Q: Who is your favorite tennis player, and why?
AC: My favorite tennis player is Roger Federer, because he is passionate, talented and very humble.
Q: What is your favorite hobby?
AC: Discover new places and watch tv shows and movies.
