When Ron Castro graduated from the University of Toronto's undergraduate kinesiology program in 2005 (then called the Bachelor of Physical Education & Health), his career direction was decidedly unclear. While his classmates moved into kinesiology, teaching and training roles, he didn’t know where to turn.
After reflecting on the positive experience of a massage therapy placement with U of T’s swim team, he enrolled in Sutherland-Chan School of Massage Therapy. By 2007, he’d earned an RMT certification and was working in clinics across Toronto.
But something was missing.
“I didn’t feel connected to anything I worked with. The clinics were more relaxation-based settings, and I wanted something a little more challenging and purposeful. I just didn’t know what that was,” he said.
In 2009, Castro was actively looking for new possibilities and connecting with former classmates and friends. It was then that he stepped into a “right time, right place” opportunity that would change the course of his career—and life—for good.
“I knew [former U of T associate professor] Greg Wells because I had been at the Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education (KPE) with his wife. I called him up, looking for a reference and, after reviewing my experience, he said he’d do me one better. ‘Look for an email from someone from Swimming Canada,’ he told me. A month later, I was getting on a plane to Belgrade, Serbia as an additional massage therapist for the team.”
While on the plane, he was given the rundown: he’d be working on team members who swam qualifying times as part of pre- and post-race treatment. It was an exhilarating experience for Castro and he was eager for more. The following month, he went to Leeds and toured the UK with the Senior B team.
Since then, he’s travelled and worked with Swimming Canada at events in 19 countries, including Japan, Australia, Spain, Peru, Israel and most of the United Arab Emirates.
“It’s challenging work but so gratifying. I’ve learned to support each swimmer individually, get to know their personalities and nuances. What works for one swimmer does not work for all. I love all of it,” said Castro.
One of the most memorable professional experiences with the team was in Toronto during the 2015 Pan American Games. “It’s always incredible for athletes to achieve something in front of a hometown crowd and I felt the same way about representing my profession at the highest level of competition. I felt a real pride in what I do.”
Making an impact at U of T
When Castro returned from Belgrade in 2009, he went back to his part-time job at U of T’s Athletic Centre. “I’d blue-shirted my way through university as a facilities staff attendant and front line staff member so it was a familiar and welcome place,” he said.
“I would assist in the weight room and do exercise programs in the mornings, then go to my office and work my regular job.”
By 2010, Castro had assumed the role of facility rental and scheduling coordinator at the Athletic Centre. Since then, he’s taken charge of all three KPE facilities. In addition to managing the day-to-day programming, training and special events schedule, he serves as a friendly face to athletes, faculty and students of all stripes. He also practices part-time at a friend’s massage therapy clinic in Leslieville.
“My career is this perfect symphony. I love my job at U of T because it has lots of structure and order and I enjoy that. I also love working one-on-one with clients at the clinic. And when I get to go to events with Swim Canada, it’s adventure and excitement, a real departure from my regular routine,” he said.
When he thinks back to those uncertain early days post-graduation, he recognizes that connecting with others has made all the difference.
“I was never one to be a networking person, but I realized just how well-connected my time in KPE left me. My classmates, teachers and coaches in the program helped teach me and open doors,” he said.
“I’ve found that my career has been a constant process of evolution. I didn’t know what I wanted to do initially but it’s important to put yourself out there and be open to possibilities. You never know who’s going to see your potential or what opportunities will come your way.”