At age 13, Christopher R. Castleberry first picked up a lacrosse stick and six years later he donned a Marine Corps uniform and picked up an M-16 rifle.
The young member of the Snolqalmie tribe, now a sergeant serving as physical security specialist for the Marine Corps Reserve, has kept and shared his love for the sport alive throughout his Marine Corps career.
When he’s not playing, he’s spreading his lacrosse knowledge to teenagers by volunteering around the San Diego region, and is also the captain of a West Coast lacrosse team, which he created aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar five years ago.
“I have respect and pride for the game because it’s in my heritage,” said the six foot, 220-pound Marine. “I’ll always be involved in the game.”
Castleberry started coaching in middle schools in 2004 and moved up to the high school ranks thereafter. In 2005 where he became the head coach of Mt. Carmel High School Lacrosse team, becoming the youngest coach in the league at age 22. He uses his acquired Marine Corps knowledge to get the most out of his young students.
“I have a sense of presence when I’m out there,” said Castleberry about his coaching style. “They know when I say something, they’re going to listen. I have the respect of the players and coaches. Every team I coach is the best conditioned team out there.”
In the offseason, Castleberry remains active in the sport by volunteering at various lacrosse camps and clinics across the San Diego region. He spends approximately 20 hours a week either helping others or playing lacrosse himself.
Castleberry was recently asked to try out for the University of San Diego lacrosse team and was accepted. But it wouldn’t break his heart if he didn’t; he would be content with coaching, as long as he is part of the sport, he explained.
“I’m really into the camps because that’s where you see the biggest gains and build championships,” said the Seattle native. “I would rather coach than never play a game. I am very passionate about coaching.”
When he is not coaching, Castleberry spends time coordinating games for his team, which has Marines and sailors from various West Coast instillations. He works to get the team playing time by scrimmaging high school and semi-pro teams around San Diego. His love for the game is present in his persistent dedication.
“He’s a workhorse on and off the field,” said Sgt. Blaine D. Rayne, who has played for the Iroquois Nationals and teammate of Castleberry. “He’s one of the few that I have seen that has the same passion as I do for the game. He goes out there, coaches and gives the game back to the youth.”
Castleberry is currently working on organizing a Wounded Warrior lacrosse tournament early this year and hopes to have his team recognized as an All-Marine Team. His purpose is not to highlight his involvement in lacrosse, but simply to share the sport.
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