Meet Molly Castner, a UTRGV Unsung Hero
Text by Amanda Taylor
Molly Castner, deputy athletic director for the UTRGV Athletics Department, misses the daily face-to-face interactions she normally would have with student athletes. Still, she is grateful to be able to continue to serve them from a safe distance.
With safety protocols firmly in place at UTRGV, Castner is able to continue to oversee all academic and compliance units for her department to ensure the overall success of her student athletes.
NAME: Molly Castner
JOB TITLE: Deputy Athletic Director
CAMPUS: Edinburg
DEPARTMENT: Athletics
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT UTRGV?
As deputy athletic director I oversee our academic and compliance units and serve as the Senior Woman Administrator for athletics.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED HERE?
14 months
WITH THE SOCIAL CHANGES DUE TO COVID-19, DESCRIBE YOUR AVERAGE DAY IN THESE TIMES:
Most days I spend meeting with colleagues and student athletes via Zoom. Our number one priority these days is keeping our student athletes, coaches and staff safe.
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE MAINTAINING YOUR ROLE UNDER COVID-19?
Not being able to meet with student athletes in person is the toughest challenge. I miss the face-to-face interaction.
IN WHAT WAYS ARE YOU HELPING YOUR DEPARTMENT MITIGATE THE SPREAD OF THE VIRUS?
I am so grateful to work at UTRGV and for the work our School of Medicine has done to mitigate the spread of the virus. Under their guidance, I have helped communicate with our athletics department protocols and guidelines.
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE MEMORY, OR STORY, ABOUT YOUR TIME HERE?
The burning of the letters and UTRGV Midnight Madness are both great memories. I love how much pride and school spirit our students have at UTRGV!
TELL US SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU:
I lived in China for a year.
WHAT IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE UTRGV COMMUNITY?
The campus partners we have are incredible. I work closely with our financial aid, admissions, and registrar offices. Amazing colleagues!
WHAT ARE SOME ENCOURAGING WORDS YOU COULD SHARE WITH YOUR PEERS ABOUT COVID-19?
There are so many kind people in this world. Let’s take care of each other in these tough times.
