University of Memphis Athletics
Castro Joins Prater’s Staff for 2027 Season
Jun 29, 2026 | Softball
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – University of Memphis softball head coach Trena Prater has added Bry Castro to her coaching staff ahead of the 2026-27 season. The former Ole Miss Rebel infielder joins the Tigers from nearby Christian Brothers University.
"Coach Castro is the perfect fit for my coaching staff and the team," Prater said. "She has a passion for coaching defense. I am excited to see her impact on our infielders."
Castro's most recent stop was at Christian Brothers over the past two seasons, where she served as an assistant coach after a pair of seasons at Sonoma State in California from 2023-24. During her two seasons with the Seawolves, she helped the program to a 65-33 (.663) record, earning league championships in both seasons and making the NCAA Division II National Tournament in 2023. A defensive-minded coach, Castro's Seawolf teams carried fielding percentages above .960 in both seasons.
"Joining the coaching staff at Memphis is an incredible opportunity, and I am grateful for the chance to be part of such a special program," said Castro. "I want to sincerely thank Coach Prater for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to join her staff. From our very first conversations, it was clear that we share the same championship mindset and commitment to building a culture of excellence. I am ready to get to work and help this program reach its full potential."
Prior to her time at Sonoma State, Castro spent two seasons at the University of San Diego as a volunteer assistant coach, working with slap hitters and infielders. Before the Toreros, Castro spent time as a graduate assistant with the Belhaven University softball program, specializing in working with the team's pitching staff and mental strength training.
Castro finished her collegiate playing career close to Memphis as a three-year member of the Ole Miss softball team. She appeared in 138 games over her three seasons as a Rebel, stealing 13 bases and logging 36 runs scored with 14 RBI. In 2017, Castro helped Ole Miss become the lowest-seeded team in history to win the SEC Tournament and finished her collegiate career as a three-time SEC Honor Roll recipient and earned the Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar award in 2017, an award that honors qualified students who have excelled both on the field and in the classroom.
Castro burst onto the scene as a freshman at McNeese, earning First Team All-Southland Conference honorees after hitting .292 and stealing 16 bases as she led the Cowgirls to a 21-5 record in Southland play and a conference-best 36 wins overall.
Castro, a native of Yorba Linda, California, holds a bachelor's degree in sport recreation management with a minor in education from Ole Miss and a Master of Business Administration from Belhaven University.
HOW TO FOLLOW THE TIGERS
For complete information on Memphis Tigers Softball, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
"Coach Castro is the perfect fit for my coaching staff and the team," Prater said. "She has a passion for coaching defense. I am excited to see her impact on our infielders."
Castro's most recent stop was at Christian Brothers over the past two seasons, where she served as an assistant coach after a pair of seasons at Sonoma State in California from 2023-24. During her two seasons with the Seawolves, she helped the program to a 65-33 (.663) record, earning league championships in both seasons and making the NCAA Division II National Tournament in 2023. A defensive-minded coach, Castro's Seawolf teams carried fielding percentages above .960 in both seasons.
"Joining the coaching staff at Memphis is an incredible opportunity, and I am grateful for the chance to be part of such a special program," said Castro. "I want to sincerely thank Coach Prater for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to join her staff. From our very first conversations, it was clear that we share the same championship mindset and commitment to building a culture of excellence. I am ready to get to work and help this program reach its full potential."
Prior to her time at Sonoma State, Castro spent two seasons at the University of San Diego as a volunteer assistant coach, working with slap hitters and infielders. Before the Toreros, Castro spent time as a graduate assistant with the Belhaven University softball program, specializing in working with the team's pitching staff and mental strength training.
Castro finished her collegiate playing career close to Memphis as a three-year member of the Ole Miss softball team. She appeared in 138 games over her three seasons as a Rebel, stealing 13 bases and logging 36 runs scored with 14 RBI. In 2017, Castro helped Ole Miss become the lowest-seeded team in history to win the SEC Tournament and finished her collegiate career as a three-time SEC Honor Roll recipient and earned the Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar award in 2017, an award that honors qualified students who have excelled both on the field and in the classroom.
Castro burst onto the scene as a freshman at McNeese, earning First Team All-Southland Conference honorees after hitting .292 and stealing 16 bases as she led the Cowgirls to a 21-5 record in Southland play and a conference-best 36 wins overall.
Castro, a native of Yorba Linda, California, holds a bachelor's degree in sport recreation management with a minor in education from Ole Miss and a Master of Business Administration from Belhaven University.
HOW TO FOLLOW THE TIGERS
For complete information on Memphis Tigers Softball, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
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