What A Week: 1,000 Points And College Commitment

Castaldo scored her 1,000th point during Saturday’s basketball game against Sleepy Hollow and today signed a commitment to attend the University of Maryland-Baltimore County. She has been playing center for South since she was a freshman. 

 It’s really exciting to actually sign today,” said Castaldo. “It’s a huge accomplishment.” 

Several other colleges including Drexel University in Pennsylvania and Sacred Heart University in Connecticut recruited Castaldo, who has been playing basketball since second grade on travel and CYO teams and in clinics.

The New City resident said she did not make the decision quickly, visiting the Maryland campus twice before her official visit and discussing her choices with her family, coaches and South athletic staff. Castaldo said when she arrived on the Maryland campus the coach and everyone was so welcoming that it felt like a home away from home. 

“I just loved everything about it,” she said. “And when I went there for my official visit with meeting the girls in my class and the team it was perfect.” 

With her parents, Joanne and Lou Castaldo, brother, Michael Castaldo, grandparents, Nick and Gloria Zoda, Aunt Patti Zodda and coaches watching, Castaldo signed the letter of commitment on Monday afternoon. 

Castaldo’s former basketball coach Jennifer Chiera-Frank said Castaldo is tremendous and the college is a great fit for her. 

Her mother, Joanne Castaldo, said “It was a big decision for her.”

Castaldo said the exact play during Saturday’s game was memorable. It was a lefty layup that brought her to the 1,000th point milestone. Sleepy Hollow stopped the game so she could take pictures with her family.

“In eighth grade I remember coming into high school it was something that I always wanted to do,” said Castaldo.  “I wanted to reach the 1,000 points. I knew it was reachable but I knew it was a lot hard work to put into it, and getting it was unbelievable.”

She said her family was responsible for her achievement because of their support and attendance at her games.

“Without my family, I couldn’t have done without them,” she said. 

Castaldo is receiving a five-year scholarship from the university where she plans to double major in physical education and medical technology.

Castaldo has also been playing varsity soccer at South, first as a field player then as goalkeeper. She hesitated when asked if she will continue playing both sports in college but said she may play soccer on a recreational team.