Three Garland ISD head coaches are impacting the world of football. The trio form part of the Hispanic TXHSFB Coaches Association, a 1-year-old organization that aims to raise awareness for Latinos seeking leadership roles. North Garland High School head coach Joe Castillo serves as the vice president for the organization he wishes was around when he got his start on the field.
“This has been a lot of fun,” said Castillo. “It’s awesome to be able to mentor younger coaches and help them become more qualified and prepared. We are able to give them examples of what we had to go through, and it gives them the opportunity to ask questions and build leadership skills.”
Although group membership is open to all ethnicities, the Garland native notes that our nation’s growing Hispanic population offers an opportunity to increase the demographic’s presence in the coaching community.
A record-setter in his own right, Castillo became the first Hispanic head football coach and campus athletic director in GISD history. His experience not only offers teachable moments for those who look like him. It also created a passion for helping others.
“We want to help young coaches just like we want to help kids,” he expressed. “I want to be available to anybody to help them grow, become qualified and be ready. We just want to have the opportunity to have a seat at the table.”
Castillo’s colleagues, Naaman Forest High School head coach Jesse Perales and South Garland High School head coach Damaso Martinez, are also Hispanic TXSHFB Coaches Association members. The men are not only impacting lives through the organization, they are also making regional history.
“Thanks to Dr. López and our leadership, no other district in DFW can say that they have three Hispanic head football coaches and athletic directors. That’s trailblazing, and it’s happening right here in GISD.”
Learn more about the association by checking out an article in Dave Campbell’s Texas Football or by following them on Twitter and Facebook.
Archived photo was taken in May 2019, before COVID-19
Information and photo provided by Garland ISD.