Men’s Soccer: Arroyo, Castellanos sign with University of Hawai’i at Hilo

Long Beach City College men's soccer standouts Rafael Arroyo (Poly HS) and Rodrigo Castellanos (Millikan HS) have signed their National Letters of Intent to continue their academic and athletic careers at the University of Hawai'i at Hilo next fall.

Head coach Cameron Beaulac is extremely proud of his duo that will be heading to the islands.

"Both Rodrigo and Rafael are not only good soccer players that will help Hilo, but are also great young men that will represent the university in a positive way," said Beaulac. "I couldn't be happier for them. Our goal at LBCC men's soccer is to move players on to four-year universities and to win championships. This year we were successful in doing both."

Arroyo helped anchor a LBCC defense from the left back position that allowed 20 goals over 21 games during the 2014 season. He started 20 of 21 games that year and was named the team's most improved player. Arroyo originally signed with the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, Kentucky last year but decided to return to Long Beach to pursue other options.

"It was an honor to play at Long Beach City College," said Arroyo. "The coaches helped me by pushing me to my limits and preparing me for the game at the next level.  I am grateful for this opportunity to continue my soccer career and get a degree at the University of Hawai'i Hilo."

Castellanos came to LBCC after playing his freshman season at San Francisco State University. This past fall (2015), he was an All-South Coast Conference honorable mention selection playing center midfield and right defensive back. Castellanos served as team captain of a Vikings squad that won its first conference championship since 2006 and was the recipient of the Coaches' Award.

"It's been nothing but an honor and privilege to play at LBCC," said Castellanos. "We've had great coaching and a tremendous amount of talent helping me prepare for this next step, which was signing with Hilo."

Hawai'i Hilo is located on the Big Island of Hawaii. The Vulcans compete at the NCAA Division II level as a member of the PacWest Conference. Local member schools include Azusa Pacific University, Concordia University Irvine, and Cal Baptist University in Riverside. Hawai'i Hilo head coach Lance Thompson enters his fourth year leading the program in 2016.

Arroyo and Castellanos join Viking James Pacheco (Mayfair HS) who last month signed with Concordia Irvine. Beaulac expects more players from his squad to sign in the near future.