17
Nov, 2018
University of Findlay midfielder Paige Casto is a special player, a difference maker that made an impact in her first season with the Oilers. That impact was felt all over the field; the squad was clearly a better one with Casto involved.
“I would describe myself as an energetic, passionate, and consistent,” Casto said. “I have played multiple positions throughout my career, so I am able to be considered a ‘utility’ player and understand how to play many of the positions on the field. I would say my best position is center midfield. I love being able to play in the center of the field and contribute to my team both defensively and offensively.”
Casto is an incredible two-way midfielder, a player that you can build a program around.
“Paige has been an outstanding addition to our program both on and off the field,” UF women’s soccer head coach Jimmy Walker remarked. “She has been a very consistent performer in the center of our midfield and a key to our success this fall. Paige has a great work ethic and we are excited to see how she does in helping move our program forward over the next few years.”
UF finished with an impressive 11-4-2 record, including records of 6-2-1 at home and 5-1-1 on the road. Findlay even made an impressive run into the postseason with their season ending on November 1st with a tough loss to Ohio Valley.
“It was very rewarding to make the postseason this year,” Casto commented. “Coming into the program at Findlay, I knew they have not made the postseason in a very long time. Being able to make the postseason and host a quarterfinal playoff game at Findlay for the first time in 22 years, just shows how the team’s hard work, dedication, and belief in the coaching staff has paid off.”
Casto was brilliant this fall, tallying one goal in 15 appearances (15 starts).
“My first season with Findlay has been both challenging and rewarding,” Casto continued. “I came into preseason just getting cleared to run two weeks before from compartment syndrome surgery I had in both lower legs. The beginning of the season was tough because my mind wanted to move faster than my body could keep up with at the time, but with the help of my teammates, coaches, and trainers I was able to make a full recovery and play at my full potential again. My team and I were able to prove so much to the university and community this season and it is not going to stop here. We were able to have the best winning percentage in the program’s NCAA DII history, so why not keep breaking more records and creating an upward path and standard for the program.”
The Strongsville, Ohio native played for Bowling Green in 2017, collecting one goal and one assist in 18 appearances (15 starts) and 801 minutes of play.
Transferring to Findlay was a no-brainer according to Casto.
“Deciding to transfer to Findlay was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Not only is the university a better fit for my academic growth, the athletics here have a huge support system from other athletes at the school, faculty, and the community. When I first talked to Coach Walker on the phone, I knew he is a coach I would enjoy playing for. He had a lot of confidence in my abilities and what I would be able to contribute to the team. Then, after I stepped foot on the campus for the first time, I knew Findlay would be my new home.”
Even though she had an incredible season in 2018, Casto is looking for even more in the future.
“Some short-term goals I have for myself are to make an all-conference team and raise my statistics with goals and assists. A long-term goal I have for myself is to be an All-American. Short-term goals for the Findlay women’s soccer program is to win the GMAC within the next year and make it to the NCAA tournament. Long-term goals for the Findlay women’s soccer program include to be ranked nationally and to win a national championship.”
Achieving these goals involves playing in a tremendously challenging conference.
“My conference, the GMAC and DII as a whole is very competitive,” Casto added. “Transitioning from DI to DII I did not think it was going to be as competitive, but that thought changed after we started conference play. The competitiveness is similar to how the MAC was for me last year.”
Casto noted that all of this success started with her longtime youth club, Internationals SC in Medina, Ohio.
“I was with Internationals SC for seven years and the club developed me into a player that can meet the technical, tactical, and mental sides of the game. Internationals did not only develop me into an overall knowledgeable player of the game, but they also developed me as a person and leader on and off the field.”
Casto also pointed out the tremendous influence of Keri Sarver and Zdravko Popovic.
“Keri and Zdravko both had major influences on my career. Playing for them for seven years, they were able to develop me into player that can compete and succeed at the collegiate level. They helped me prepare for the physical and mental aspects of the college game. Without their knowledge of the game and connections they have, I would not be where I am today.”
Where Casto is today is quite simple. She is among the elite of Division II soccer, a testament to her hard work and determination. It certainly didn’t hurt for her to play in the country’s top youth league.
“There is no better way to prepare for the competition, physical, and mental demands of the college game besides playing in the ECNL,” Casto concluded. “I was able to compete against players that were not only part of the youth U.S. Soccer National teams, but that would be playing at power 5 conference universities. ECNL provides the best competition and exposure for any girl soccer player who wants to play at the collegiate level.”
Popovic always knew that Casto was a special player, someone who would make a difference at the next level.
“As a youth player, Paige could always be described as versatile and consistent. As a coach, it is always comforting know that you will get the same solid effort from a player day in and day out. She is a competitor, a ball winner, and can provide a calming presence with her distribution. She is also a great team player and we are so happy that she has found an excellent fit to continue her college career at Findlay.”
Findlay is lucky to have Paige Casto leading the way. 2018 was great, but 2019 will be even better with this Internationals SC alum at the helm.
Photo Credit: University of Findlay Athletic Department