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Robert Castellanos (Founder/CEO)
Robert Castellanos (Caste)
Founder – Project Rooted | Professional Soccer Player
Born and raised in Palmdale, Caste’s journey from local fields to the professional stage has always been driven by his mission: to bring opportunities home to the Antelope Valley.
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Robert Castellanos, known as (Caste), grew up in Palmdale, CA, where soccer was both his escape and his calling. At 14, he left home to train at elite youth academies like Xolos in Tijuana and Nomads in San Diego. His professional career has spanned top clubs in Liga MX, MLS, and the USL, including stints with Atlas FC, LA Galaxy 2, RGVFC Toros, Nashville SC, Tampa Bay Rowdies, and Sporting Kansas City. But Caste’s vision has always been bigger than his own journey. He knows firsthand the challenges that kids in the AV face—limited access to professional-level coaching, mentorship, and resources. That’s why he founded Project Rooted: to build a high-performance facility in Palmdale that levels the playing field and gives back to the community that raised him.
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As the Founder of Project Rooted, Caste leads the mission to empower Antelope Valley youth through soccer, mentorship, and a community-first approach. He’s the driving force behind every training session, community program, and future vision for the Rooted facility.
Eric Calvillo (Ambassador)
Rooted Ambassador | Midfielder – El Paso Locomotive FC | El Salvador National Team
Professional soccer player and Rooted Ambassador Eric Calvillo was born and raised in Palmdale, California. Leaving the AV at 15 years old to join the United States National Team Residency Program taught him just how challenging it is—and what it truly takes—to chase your dreams and reach the highest level.
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Eric’s soccer story began with Real So Cal in Thousand Oaks and took him to the U.S. Youth National Team from U14 to U19, where he captained the squad and competed in the U17 World Cup in Chile (2015).
At 17, he signed his first professional contract with the New York Cosmos, winning an NASL Championship before moving to MLS side San Jose Earthquakes, where he spent four seasons. Eric then joined Orange County SC, winning a USL Championship in 2021, and now plays for El Paso Locomotive FC in the USL Championship. At the senior international level, he represents the El Salvador National Team.
Throughout his journey, Eric’s belief in himself and the unwavering support of his family have fueled his path to success.
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As a Rooted Ambassador, Eric Calvillo will be teaching the next generation what it truly takes to compete at the national team level at a young age. He’ll share his experience of leaving home to be in some of the most competitive environments in the country, playing against the best athletes from across the U.S. Eric knows that success at that level requires far more than just skill and raw talent—it demands discipline, resilience, and the willingness to make sacrifices, even when it means leaving home early. Through his journey, he’ll show young players how to build a great career for themselves and how to navigate the challenges of professional soccer.
Alvaro Quezada (Ambassador)
Rooted Ambassador | Midfielder – El Paso Locomotive FC | UCI Graduate
Álvaro Quezada is a professional soccer player and Rooted Ambassador. Raised in Palmdale, California, Álvaro attended Highland High School, where he began shaping his identity as both a student and athlete.
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With the unwavering support of his family, Alvaro earned invitations to U.S. Youth National Team camps, secured a full scholarship to the University of California, Irvine(UCI), and was drafted into MLS by LAFC. After graduating, Alvaro launched his professional career with LAFC, Las Vegas Lights, Memphis 901 FC, and currently with El Paso Locomotive FC in the USL Championship.
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As a Rooted Ambassador, Álvaro is dedicated to showing AV athletes what it takes to succeed in the college soccer system—the sacrifices, the ups and downs, and how to turn that journey into an opportunity to go even further. Drawing from his own experience, he shares how coming from a small city doesn’t stop you from reaching a big college and getting drafted to even bigger teams. Álvaro also highlights the importance of academics, showing that even if you can’t turn pro immediately, being a collegiate athlete can be the first step in turning your dreams of becoming a professional athlete into reality.
Pedro Zamora (Chief Financial Officer)
Rooted CFO | Finance Manager – YMU Group | FIFA Licensed Agent
Pedro combines financial expertise and a love for soccer to create lasting opportunities for AV athletes.
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An Antelope Valley native, Pedro serves as Finance Manager at YMU Group, a global talent agency. With a FIFA Agent License, he’s developed innovative revenue strategies that support high-stakes financial planning. His work blends technology, business, and heart to open doors for youth athletes—especially through his work with PR Dreamers (Rooted's Nonprofit).
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As the CFO of Rooted, Pedro ensures the project is built on strong financial foundations—empowering the next generation of soccer players to succeed both on and off the field.
Christian Ramirez (Chief Operating Officer)
Rooted COO | Soccer Operations & Community Engagement Leader
Christian Ramirez was born in Tarzana, California, but his entire upbringing was rooted in Lake Los Angeles. A place that shaped his love for soccer and community.
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Christian’s soccer journey began at Wilson Elementary School and continued through Challenger Middle School and Littlerock High School, where he played varsity soccer. His club career included stints with the AV Sharks (later the Lancaster Rattlers) and Real So Cal—making him the first in his family to play with a club team in Los Angeles. Though Christian chose not to pursue college soccer, he used the lessons from his playing career to fuel his academic and professional path. He earned his Bachelor’s in Education with a Minor in Public Policy, then completed an academic year internship as the Sport Programs Intern at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He went on to earn his Master’s in Educational Leadership with a Certificate in Student Athlete Support Service from the University of Central Florida, where he also worked as the Intramural Sports Graduate Assistant.
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As the Chief Operating Officer at Rooted, Christian oversees day-to-day operations and soccer programming, ensuring that every initiative reflects the project’s mission of mentorship, opportunity, and community-first development. Christian is passionate about creating a space where young players feel supported—on and off the field—and believes that through education and access, kids from the AV can achieve anything they set their minds to.
Shawn Mclurkin (Cinematographer)
Rooted Creative Team | Cinematographer & Visual Storyteller
Shawn’s mission is to capture the raw stories that inspire and connect people.
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Shawn first earned degrees from Washington State University and Grand Canyon University (Data Analytics) before discovering his passion behind the camera. Now a Director of Photography in the sports world, he’s dedicated to highlighting the overlooked beauty and raw power in every story he tells.
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As part of the Rooted Creative Team, Shawn uses his lens to showcase the authenticity and heart of the AV community—one story at a time.
Mario Trejo (Trainer)
Rooted Trainer | Former Pro Academy Player
Mario Trejo is a proud Lake Los Angeles native whose soccer journey has come full circle—from local youth talent to professional academies, and now back home to develop the next generation.
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Mario’s soccer story began in Lake Los Angeles and quickly took him to elite environments. He first joined the Club Tijuana Xolos Academy, honing his technical skills and tactical awareness. Mario later joined the Real Salt Lake Academy, where he learned firsthand the standards and expectations of professional environments. His experience as a youth player in these top-tier systems provided him with a deep understanding of player development and what it takes to thrive at the highest level.
Returning to the AV, Mario felt the calling to give back. His career path shifted from player to mentor—dedicated to equipping young players with the tools, habits, and mindset that he wished he had growing up.
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As a Rooted Trainer, Mario brings his passion and insight to every session, helping athletes develop technical skills, tactical intelligence, and the mental toughness to reach their potential. For him, it’s not just about soccer—it’s about building confident, resilient young people who can turn their dreams into reality.
Anahie Duran (Trainer)
Rooted Trainer | USL & College Coach
Anahie Duran is a proud East Palmdale native, born and raised in the Antelope Valley. A standout player at William J. Pete Knight High School, she earned varsity honors all four years and quickly gained recognition for her talent and leadership on the field.
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At 16, she was called up to the Mexican National Team, a highlight in a decorated playing career.
She played collegiate soccer at Cal State LA, where she excelled both academically and athletically. After college, she transitioned to coaching, leading teams across competitive levels: from the USL W League to the USL Academy and the junior college circuit.
Her journey reflects a commitment to excellence and a desire to uplift the community that shaped her.
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As a Rooted Trainer, Anahie brings her experience and player-centered approach to help the next generation of athletes in the AV find their path on and off the field.
Calvin Mitchell (Trainer)
Rooted Trainer | Former Pro & Collegiate Athlete
Calvin Mitchell was born and raised in the Antelope Valley, where his love for soccer and his unshakable mindset were forged. A product of Lancaster High School and Palmdale Thunder, Calvin went on to play at the collegiate or professional level, showing what’s possible with a relentless work ethic.
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Calvin’s journey includes winning the U19 USYS National Championship, the Dallas Cup, and competing with clubs like Real So Cal Academy, as well as playing professionally in USL2 and in the New Zealand Northern Premier League. Throughout his career, Calvin faced setbacks like surgeries and constant underestimation, but he turned every challenge into fuel, using it to build his unique style of play and relentless spirit.
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As a Rooted Trainer, Calvin is focused on developing AV athletes, equipping them with the tools he never had, and showing them that their dreams are possible right here at home.
Alex Rodriguez (Creative)
Born and raised in the Antelope Valley, Alex Rodriguez is a designer with a passion for sports and transforming ideas into visual stories. His work blends imagination and intention using color, form, and storytelling to leave a lasting impression.
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Alex, known as “A-Rod,” launched a clothing brand that quickly gained traction, connecting with manufacturers, retailers, and influencers while amassing thousands of followers on social media. Each project has sharpened his creativity and broadened his perspective. Today, Alex is dedicated to expanding his craft within the community that raised him.
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As a member of the Rooted Creative Team, Alex believes design is about people. Every project is an opportunity to listen, imagine, and create work that is authentic, meaningful, and true to the Rooted mission of storytelling through design.