UTRGV Athletics Promotes Joe Castilleja Jr.

RIO GRANDE VALLEY – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Department of Intercollegiate Athletics announced on Thursday the promotion of Joe Castilleja Jr. to assistant director for facilities and game operations.

Castilleja is entering his third year with UTRGV and will be responsible for managing and coordinating logisticial and operational aspects of facilites used for sporting events, overseeing maintenance and upkeep of facilities, scheduling and managing staffing needs, and ensuring the facilities meet safety and operational standards.

“I am very excited for Joe to move into his new role as assistant director of facilities and game operations,” said senior associate athletic director for operations John Evans. “He has been a great addition to UTRGV Athletics since being hired almost two years ago. Joe has proven himself with his strong work ethic, organization, and his ability to interact with coaches, staff, and campus partners. Joe also assisted with game operations and facility management in his previous role which makes him a natural fit for this position.”

Previously, Castilleja served as the facilities & equipment coordinator where he oversaw the Orville Cox Tennis Center, managed all equipment for the department, and assisted all with the game operations and home event set-up. While managing equipment, Castilleja was also charged with purchasing and managing the inventory, procurement, distribution, maintenance, and organization of athletic gear and apparel.

“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to take on more responsibility and contribute to our team’s success in new ways,” Castilleja said. “I want to share a big thank you to my colleagues and mentors who have supported me and inspired me along the way. This promotion is a significant milestone in my career journey, and I’m eager to make a positive impact.”

Prior to UTRGV, the Rio Grande Valley native was an equipment management assistant and student football coach at Wayland Baptist from 2014-16. In this role, he conducted safety measures on football equipment, maintained and distributed equipment and gear and kept records and inventory for travel and storage.

Castilleja earned his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Sports Science from Wayland Baptist and his Master’s in Sports Management at UTRGV in the spring of 2022.