When Amanda Castillo partially tore her left Achilles tendon last season, she wasn’t sure what her place on Florida’s gymnastics team would be moving forward.
But with her senior season winding down, the seven-time All-American is accepting and adjusting to her new role.
As a freshman and sophomore, Castillo earned All-American honors in the all-around and was one of the Gators’ best gymnasts.
But as a junior, pain in her left foot set in after a fall in the preseason.
She battled through the injury for part of the season before shutting it down after the team’s meet with Utah, and underwent surgery at the end of March.
“So many things were going through my mind when it happened,” Castillo said. “‘This can’t be happening. Why is this happening? What did I do wrong?’ I’m a competitor, and I had goals. I went through denial and felt bad I couldn’t be there for the team.”
After the surgery, Castillo went through a six-month recovery process before slowly returning to the gym. She pushed herself and came in on her off days to do everything she could before making her return at the beginning of this season.
Coach Rhonda Faehn said it was a hard time for Castillo, who didn’t realize how difficult making a comeback would be because it was new territory for her.
Since returning, Castillo has seen a diminished role, competing on the bars every week, but she hasn’t returned to the all-around competition this season.
“At first, it was hard,” Castillo said about adjusting to a different role. “But I’m a senior, and I’ve got three years of college gymnastics under my belt. I’m trying to be more of a motivator now and be there for my team and give them the confidence they need, especially the freshmen.”
Castillo has been working on the all-around in practice, and Faehn said she had planned for Castillo to return to the all-around this season, but things didn’t go as scheduled. The coaches didn’t want to overwhelm Castillo in competition.
“Of course I would love to be in the all-around, but this is a team, and I want to be able to help any way I can,” Castillo said. “I’m honored to at least still be competing.”
The first part of this season was a struggle for her and a few weeks ago she had a breakdown, but Faehn helped Castillo with her confidence and reassured her they would figure things out.
Since then, Faehn said Castillo has really come to peace with herself and has realized she will play a role in the success of the team, even if it means being more than just a performer.
Against Auburn last week, Castillo’s 9.875 earned her a share of the event title on bars, which was her second win this season. She said it showed that she’s not done yet, and still has something left in the tank to help her team.
“I want to be able to lay my head down at night and know that I gave it my all,” Castillo said.
