Lexington, KY – Lexington Sporting Club is proud to introduce Armando Güell “Tico” Castro as the new Girl’s Academy & Operations Director, a key role in which he will lead the club’s academy initiatives with a focus on player development, operational excellence, and long-term growth.
A native of San Jose, Costa Rica, Tico has established himself as a proven leader and mentor in youth soccer. He has spent the past four seasons as an assistant coach with Bethel University’s women’s soccer program, where his efforts were instrumental in the Wildcats’ success on and off the field. Tico was a standout player for Bethel men’s soccer from 2009 to 2013, during which time he helped the team secure multiple national tournament appearances, conference titles, and championships.
His coaching career highlights include being named Mid-South Conference Assistant Coach of the Year in 2023, as well as serving as the Technical Director for Pumas Futbol Club in Paducah, Kentucky. With Pumas, Tico led his teams to two Division II state championships and one Division I state runner-up finish. His expertise extends to the Olympic Development Program (ODP) in Kentucky, where he has worked since 2016, including a role in the coaching staff for an international trip to Dortmund, Germany, in 2019.
Tico brings an impressive array of coaching credentials, including a USSF National B License, currently taking his “A” license, USC Goalkeeping Levels I and II, and the USC Director of Coaching Diploma. His commitment to player development is further enhanced by his certification as a CrossFit Level II and Gymnastics Trainer, reflecting his focus on comprehensive physical conditioning for athletes.
As the Girl’s Academy & Operations Director, Tico will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the academy’s operations, ensuring that Lexington Sporting Club provides young athletes with a pathway to succeed both on and off the field. Under his leadership, the academy will aim to deliver top-tier coaching, technical training, and a structured environment that nurtures personal and athletic development.
With his extensive experience and passion for youth soccer, Tico is poised to make an immediate impact at Lexington Sporting Club. His leadership will be critical in driving the club’s ambitions to create a premier academy program that fosters the next generation of female soccer players in Kentucky and beyond.