Brenda Castillo, the little giant libero of Dominican Republic

ROME, Italy, October 3, 2014 - Italian reporters and analysts describe her as “Il piccolo grande libero”, an expression that literally means “little giant”. In fact, despite her 167 centimeters or 5 feet 6 inches height, Brenda Castillo is a titan on the court.

For Leandro De Sanctis, who writes for the “Corriere dello Sport”, Castillo is a special combination of vitality and sensuality, and an athlete that behind her serene aspect, once she gets on the field, projects a high energy and a temperament that reflects the force of Dominican defense.

Despite the Italians lost against Dominican Republic in their last match of Round I at the FIVB World Championship, the fans of “Pallavolo” (as volleyball is known throughout the Italic peninsula) felt a special fascination when watching the “Fantastic  number 5” versus their “Azzurri”.

The spark of Caribbean team defense captured media attention at the PalaLottomatica Hall. “Fans of Rome enjoyed seeing her and also had the opportunity to get an authograph,” De Sanctis added in a report.

“All the lights are set on her, wearing a head band, showing her pony tail, holding a leading role,” italian journalist remarked.

Her story is special. The San Cristobal native at 16 years old was already part of the National teams. Despite some controversial issues when talking about age, she shows no fears.

All stories and comments are old and buried, the article remarks. She has faced many barriers as her career has not always been a bed of roses according to De Sanctis.

She could not become a mother after 23 months of pregnancy. She had peviously stopped playing volleyball. However a new chance came with the 2012 Olympic Games of London ahead, when she was followed as one of the great figures in a historical moment for Dominican Volleyball after reaching the second round.

She was temporarily separated from the national team due to allegedely indiscipline reasons in 2013, the “Corriere” story recaps. "But the Fed was all a misunderstanding," said the player who came back to the squad a month later showing a brighter attitude and leaving all negatives behind.

Brenda focuses in the present and the fact of playing one game at a time has granted a wonderful taste for the Dominican team on and off the court in Italy. “We are playing a great world championship and I hope we may go as far as we can,” said the libero in the interview given to the “Corriere”.

Brenda’s got also a nickname given by her coach, “chin chin”, a Dominican expression that makes reference to “Very small” or a “little portion.” Brenda emphasizes “if it is because of my physical height, I like that nickname”, and De Sanctis talks about the example of Scarlett Johansson, a small but giant film diva, and who is even shorter than Castillo.

Now at 22 the player is a celebrity in Dominican Republic. She has won many awards, became part of the Rabita Baku team of the Azeri League, and also converted to Christianism four years ago.

The interview given to the Italian publication also reveals her main hobbies apart from volleyball, such as reading the Harry Potter Saga, watching movies and romantic comedies. But when cameras are in front of her, She becomes the star, especially when the photographers at the PalaLottomatica Hall get in their viewfinders a glimpse of a real sexy libero.