WAYNESBURG, Pa. (June 24) – The Waynesburg University Department of Athletics is excited to announce the hiring of Leilah Castro as its new head women's wrestling coach. Castro comes to Waynesburg after quickly building a reputation for success on the mats and in the coaching seat.
 
"First, I would like to express my gratitude for the opportunity to lead the women's wrestling program at Waynesburg University," Castro said. "I couldn't be more grateful to be doing what I love as a career. I'm looking forward to building something special here. There are big goals for the program and I'm eager to bring that vision to life."
 
Castro comes to Waynesburg following two years as an assistant for the Otterbein women's wrestling team, which were also the first two seasons in the program's history. During that brief time, Castro helped build a 24-woman roster from scratch that includes 2025 103-pound national champion Olivia Shore. Shore was one of four Otterbein wrestlers to qualify for the national tournament.
 
Castro also helped rising junior Kellie Kennedy qualify for the 2026 NCAA Women's Wrestling National Championships at 110 pounds. The Cardinals saw four other members of their roster place in the top six of their respective weight classes to earn regional medals. Earlier in the season, freshman Morgan Leonhardt won the 124-pound championship at the Division III National Invitational.
 
Last year, Otterbein posted a 9-8 record in dual matches and placed fifth out of 18 teams at the NCAA Women's Region III Championships.
 
The Cardinals also succeeded in the classroom, as six women's grapplers were honored as NCAA Women's Scholar All-Americans by the National Wrestling Coaches Association.
 
"One of the biggest lessons I learned at Otterbein was the importance of trusting the process, especially within a developing program," Castro said. "The early stages require a lot of patience, hard work and sacrifice, but those efforts eventually pay off. Whether that is watching an athlete achieve their goals on the mat or in a classroom, each is so rewarding to a coach. It's just as important to appreciate the losses as they result in the most growth. I've learned how important it is to stay committed and value the journey as much as the results."
 
Prior to her time in the wrestling room at Otterbein, Castro wrestled for NAIA powerhouse Campbellsville (Ky.). Her time with the Tigers was highlighted by her 2021-22 season, during which she placed second in the nation at 123 pounds and was a part of the 2022 NAIA national championship team. That same season saw her win the 123-pound Mid-South Conference championship while the Tigers took the conference team crown.
 
Castro was also a member of the 2021 national championship squad.
 
A standout in the classroom, Castro was named Mid-South Academic All-Conference three times.
 
An Ohio native, Castro produced a highly decorated career on the mats at New Lexington High School. Not only did she win the 121-pound championship at the inaugural Ohio Girls State Wrestling Tournament in 2020, but she pinned all five opponents she faced on her way to the crown and was lauded as the Toccara Montgomery Most Outstanding Wrestler Award by the Ohio High School Wrestling Coaches Association.
 
Castro has also made a name for herself on the international stage. She was not only a member of the 2018 U.S. Women's Freestyle Cadet Word Team, but she went 3-2 with a pin and a win by technical superiority on her way to a fifth-place showing.
 
Along with her exploits on the mat and in coaching, Castro is passionate and experienced in all aspects of the exercise science realm. She has earned Master of Science degrees from Antioch University (Allied Health, Exercise and Health Science) and Campbellsville (Fitness and Wellness).
 
She put her education into practice as an athletic training intern at Campbellsville and as a CrossFit coach at Fit Club in Westerville, Ohio.
 
Being in a wide array of athletic settings has helped Castro develop a flexibility as a coach when it comes to working with and developing athletes from diverse backgrounds.
 
"One of my biggest strengths is the ability to adapt," Castro said. "Working with young female wrestlers, the general population and athletes from other backgrounds has taught me the importance of being able to adjust and adapt effectively. Every practice may look different. Challenges arise, energy levels change, etc. and being able to recognize that and adjust in real time has helped me grow as a coach. My focus is on meeting the athletes where they are and getting them what they need in that moment to succeed."
 
Waynesburg University Director of Athletics Tim Fusina is confident that Castro will be an effective and successful leader for the program both in terms of athletic success and helping student-athletes develop away from competition.
 
"We are thrilled to welcome Leilah to the Waynesburg University Athletic Department," Fusina said. "She has a passion for helping her athletes and has become an accomplished coach in a short period of time. She separated herself in the interview process by sharing her vision for our program and how she will lead the young women. She is organized, personable and will be a great addition to our university."
 
Castro's official start date is set for mid-July.