Check Out Shilow Castro’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shilow Castro.

Hi Shilow, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started skating at age three on skates from Toys R Us. I was hooked immediately and got upgraded skates every two years. I started training as a figure skater at age 9. I was a rink rat from age 11, spending all my spare time at the rink skating. I began training in speed skating at age 12. I was a speed skater and roller hockey player through my teen years into adulthood. Then I transitioned into playing and coaching roller derby, both of which I continue today.

I played with various banked track and flat track roller derby leagues, including Los Angeles Derby Dolls, West Coast Derby Knockouts, Angel City Derby, and the Bakersfield Diamond Divas/Diamond City Minors. I was a co-founder of team Bitraxual, which played both banked and flat track derby. In 2017 I co-founded Los Anarchists Junior Derby, which continues to be my coaching passion today.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Junior derby presents various challenges that must be managed. We serve many stakeholders, including junior skaters, parents, extended family members, coaches, officials, and benefactors. Managing the needs of our roller derby community requires a deft juggling effort. Fortunately, I have a diverse and skilled coaching and administrative team to ensure that we are providing a superlative roller derby experience to those that depend on us.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My involvement in adult and junior roller derby is as a dedicated volunteer in the Los Anarchists Junior Derby non-profit organization.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I have learned in my coaching experience is patience. Athletes learn at different rates and require different methods to gain skills in roller derby and beyond. When we, as coaches, are able to cater to the diverse needs of our athletes we can all be successful together.

I hope to impart the values of patience and kindness in my skaters so they are able to apply those approaches in all aspects of life.

Pricing:

• First Drop-In Session – Free
• Subsequent Drop-in Sessions – $10/Each
• Membership at Basic Level – $25/Month
• Team Memberships at Various Levels Ranging from $50-$125/Month
• Loaner Skates and Protective Gear – Free

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.losanarchists.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/losanarchists
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/losanarchists
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@losanarchists5196
• Other: [email protected]