About Amy:

Highland resident with a son, Thad, 12. Graduate of Bishop Noll Institute, class of 1993. Attended Vincennes University and Indiana University Northwest. Sales rep for UZ Engineering based in Cleveland. Member of Our Lady of Grace Church in Highland. Enjoys spending time with her son and playing volleyball.

Accomplishments: Amy Castro coaches freshman girl's volleyball at Bishop Noll Institute in Hammond. A former player at the school, she loves the opportunity to share her love for the game. Training starts in late July and the season runs into early October. Tryouts take place the first week, followed by conditioning four to five days a week. During the season, the girls practice every day (and sometimes Saturday) to prepare for games and tournaments. "They asked if I would be willing to (coach) and I really like it," she said. "I like to help out the girls." Castro maintains her skill level by playing volleyball in two leagues. She assists Noll in fundraising for the annual Emporium dinner/auction and will be on the committee helping organize this year's event. She also is a class agent for the class of 1993 involved in alumni fundraising. Castro juggles all this with working and "dealing with the greatest people" and being a very involved mom.

Personal hero: "My mom, Vicki Castro, of Highland. She's so selfless. She always puts everyone else first. She's so funny and witty and seriously a good mom and such a good person."

What I read: "I like magazines, but I'm too busy to read many."

Advice: "No one can intimidate you without your permission."

People might be surprised to know: "I love to laugh and can find humor in anything."

-SUE BERO, Times Correspondent

To nominate someone for this feature, e-mail slbero@hotmail.com.