Celebrating Service: Dani Castro’s Passion for Representation

Manahawkin, NJ -​ April is National Volunteer Month, a time to recognize and celebrate those who dedicate their time and energy to making a meaningful impact. The National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) honors its committee members who go above and beyond to shape the future of the sport. Among them is Dani Castro, the assistant coach for Indiana University’s field hockey team, whose dedication to both coaching and volunteerism has left a lasting mark on the field hockey community.

A former Hoosier herself, Castro played in 76 games for Indiana from 2005-2009. The San Diego, California native was a three-time Academic All-B1G Conference selection, a team captain, and an All-B1G Tournament honoree. Now, as a collegiate coach, she continues to pour her passion for the game into both her team and her volunteer work with the NFHCA.

A Passion for Representation

Castro’s journey with the NFHCA began with a desire to be part of a community advocating for underrepresented voices.

“At the time, I was looking for a community of like-minded people hoping to provide a voice to underrepresented communities,” Castro shared. “I have always been passionate about helping those who are not at the table, especially people who look like me, and the NFHCA provided an easy entry into exploring that passion.”

Since first getting involved, Castro has played a pivotal role in the NFHCA’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee, initially as a member when it formed in 2020, and now as a co-chair since March 2024. 

“Dani Castro is amazing,” shared Chip Rogers, the DEI Committee Co-Chair. “Her dedication to her coaching and her team is only surpassed by her dedication to supporting her colleagues through her work as Co-Chair of the DEI Committee for the NFHCA. She navigates the committee through serious conversations designed to amplify voices and show true care and concern for her fellow humans.”

Lessons in Impact and Leadership

Through her volunteer work, Castro has discovered valuable lessons about herself and her ability to create change.

“One thing I’ve learned about myself is how to define what matters in my life over what are just loud noises,” she explained. “It is easy to get swept up in issues outside of my control, and volunteering with the DEI Committee has helped prioritize the tasks where I can make the most impact. And more importantly, feel comfortable saying no.”

Castro’s commitment to fostering equity extends beyond the national level and into her home institution at Indiana University. She is an active member of Beyond Cream and Crimson at IU, an extension of the Indiana Athletic Department focused on cultivating a permanent, equitable environment. The group’s mission is to ensure all IU student-athletes, coaches, and staff feel valued, respected, and empowered. It works to nurture an atmosphere that embraces and welcomes people of different races, cultures, ethnicities, genders, abilities, religions, socio-economic backgrounds, sexual orientations, and gender identities.

The Value of the NFHCA

As a collegiate coach, Castro sees immense value in the NFHCA, emphasizing its role in fostering a sense of community and professional development.

“The NFHCA provides community, opportunities for professional development, and a place to help shape our sport in our country in a unique way,” she said. “Since field hockey is a small sport compared to the other sports in the country, it is easy to have a voice and be heard.”

Her message to fellow coaches is simple: “Volunteering with the NFHCA doesn’t require loads of your time. It does require a spirit of caring to make an impact, big or small. Then over time, you’ll reflect on the little community you’ve carved out, filled with people that care about the same thing. Your future self will be grateful your past self had the good sense to sign up for something bigger than yourself.”

A Life Dedicated to Sport and Community

Reflecting on her coaching philosophy, Castro leans on the wisdom of author Brené Brown: “We can choose courage, or we can choose comfort, but we can’t have both. Not at the same time.”

Dani Castro’s impact on field hockey extends far beyond the pitch. Through her volunteer work with the NFHCA, she is helping to shape a more inclusive and connected future for the sport, ensuring that every athlete and coach has a place at the table. This National Volunteer Month, we celebrate her dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to making a difference.

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The National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) is a nonprofit organization serving field hockey coaches and supporters of the game from across the United States. The mission of the organization is to champion, strengthen, and celebrate field hockey coaches and the game. The NFHCA strives to cultivate and recognize the professional contributions of its membership and to foster and promote the growth of the sport. The NFHCA is responsible for providing a recognizable presence and voice in regard to legislation affecting the sport as well as interscholastic and intercollegiate programs.