GC3 Stars standout and elite perimeter shooter takes her game to San Bruno, California
Shanti Castillo is officially headed to the next level.
The 5-foot-3 combo guard from Moanalua High School has committed to continue her academic and basketball career at Skyline College in San Bruno, California. Castillo will join the Trojans after establishing herself as one of the most dependable perimeter shooters and competitive guards in her class.
Castillo has been an important part of the GC3 Stars program over the past two years, helping the team make deep runs against high-level competition. During that stretch, the Stars earned a Final Four appearance and an Elite Eight finish in the tournament’s top bracket.
Those results reflected more than just talent. Castillo and her teammates consistently competed with toughness, discipline and pride while representing Hawaiʻi and the Pacific on a national stage.
“Shanti has been a major part of what we have built with the GC3 Stars,” GC3 Hoops founder George Courtney said. “She plays with passion, brings intensity every time she steps on the floor and has never been afraid of a big moment. Skyline is getting a guard who understands how to compete and can change a game with her shooting.”
Castillo’s greatest offensive weapon is her ability to stretch the floor. She has developed into one of the better catch-and-shoot prospects in her class, displaying a quick release, strong balance and the confidence to take important shots.
She does an excellent job preparing her feet before the ball arrives and understands how to find open space along the perimeter. Whether she is spotting up in transition, relocating after making a pass or sliding into an opening created by dribble penetration, Castillo is constantly placing pressure on opposing defenses.
Her presence forces defenders to stay attached, creating additional driving lanes and opportunities for her teammates. When opponents lose track of her, Castillo has the ability to make them pay from beyond the arc.
That shooting ability should translate well to the college level.
Skyline will be adding a potential three-point specialist who can provide immediate floor spacing and timely perimeter scoring. Castillo has shown that she is capable of hitting clutch shots when the pressure is at its highest, and she does not shy away from taking responsibility in important moments.
However, her impact is not limited to shooting.
Castillo competes with passion and intensity on both ends of the floor. She plays with energy, communicates and embraces the challenge of guarding opposing ball handlers. Her competitiveness has been a consistent part of her identity throughout her time with the GC3 Stars.
At 5-foot-3, Castillo has learned to rely on preparation, effort and basketball intelligence. She understands that every possession matters and plays with the type of urgency required to overcome physical mismatches.
Her commitment also represents another important milestone for the GC3 Stars program. The organization was created to provide Indigenous and Polynesian athletes with opportunities to compete nationally, gain meaningful exposure and build pathways to the college level.
Castillo’s journey is an example of what can happen when talent is combined with consistency, sacrifice and the willingness to compete against strong opposition.
After two memorable seasons with the Stars, she will now begin a new chapter in California.
Skyline College is gaining a passionate competitor, an experienced guard and a dangerous perimeter shooter who can help the Trojans in clutch situations. Castillo has earned the opportunity to continue her career, and her best basketball may still be ahead of her.
Congratulations to Shanti Castillo on her commitment to Skyline College.
