Juan Castillo

Tight Ends Coach

Hispanic Heritage: Both parents were Mexican. First-generation American, born in Texas.

On what he loves most about his work at the Commanders: "I really enjoy being around the players. The cool thing is when you teach something and then they master the thing that you're teaching. It's a good feeling."

On what HHM means to him: "It's a good way to give hope to other Hispanic that things are possible. Whatever dream you have, you can achieve it. Even if your parents can't afford an opportunity for you, let's say, it's still possible. This month, in particular, you get to learn stories of people that have overcome the odds, that didn't have the connection, that don't have their parents who already knew somebody and they made their dream happen."

On how his heritage has shaped who is today: "I think about how my mom brought us up. She was very caring, very humble, never talked bad about anybody. I think those are qualities that I got from her. My upbringing also taught me how to be an example. You try to do everything right. Work hard. Dress right. Be a good role model."

On quote/mantra he lives by: "We always talked about from the time that I grew that, 'When you work hard, good things happen.' So that's really something that I tried to teach my sons, and I live by that."