RECognition: Nadia Castaneda, Aquatics

Recreation's monthly series to highlight and celebrate our staff

By Shawn Cyr
Assistant Marketing Director

The stakes are raised. All of the graphics around the pool have been changed accordingly. When major events roll into Canyonview Aquatic Center — such as the 2026 National Collegiate Women’s Water Polo Championship in April — the Aquatic Events team knows what to do.

“Everything got a makeover, and expectations were higher,” REC student-staff member Nadia Castaneda says. “For part of my shift, I worked during a game, and seeing how energized the crowd was kept us hyped.

“I do have to admit that my favorite part of the week was the credentials that we had to wear during shifts because of how professional I felt,” she adds.

High-profile events like the NCAA championships or the annual Triton Invitational are high points of working as an Aquatics Event Staff member, a role Nadia has enjoyed since coming aboard in the spring of 2025.

“Whether the energy is chaotic or stressful for us who are on shift doesn’t matter to me,” says Nadia, a second-year in Seventh College majoring in international business. “I just feel very special to be a part of the select few who get to set up for these big events and to be a part of the team that helps create a memorable experience for those in the stands. And for the water polo or swim teams, us doing our jobs makes one less thing for them to worry about.”

Nadia’s role also includes being a Field Supervisor for Warren Field, where she opens the field, bathroom, and basketball gates, ensuring patrons follow the necessary policies.

For those important, flagship events, Nadia is responsible for setting up the pools, benches, tables, deck area, and much more. Baylee Bukeavich, Aquatics Events Coordinator, says Nadia brings that necessary little boost of positivity and enthusiasm to every shift.

"She is always looking for ways to bring the team closer together and create a supportive work environment,” Bukeavich says. “She frequently picks up extra shifts and serves as a dependable mentor for new staff members.”

For the women’s water polo Triton Invitational — held this year from Jan. 30 to Feb. 2 — the team had to set up both pools, “which meant having to do double the usual amount of labor,” Nadia says.

“It is a lot of quick thinking, since again, it is double the tasks, equipment, and effort that we are accustomed to — but I find that to be exhilarating,” she says.

It also means double the memories.

“We clocked in before the sun rose, and we got to watch the sun rise over the canyon as a team,” Nadia says. “It felt very special and personal to us, and it was a gorgeous sight.”

When she’s not working or studying, you can usually find Nadia relaxing at the beach with a good book. Her favorite genres include romantic comedies, young adult (YA) thrillers, and dystopian novels.

“To be honest, my all-time favorite book series is the ‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians’ series,” Nadia says. “It is such a comforting read, and it is a relief to have a children's book tackle important themes, which encourages critical/deep thinking. Even as an adult, I find this series enjoyable, wholesome, and emotional.

“I love immersing myself in a fictional world through reading. It always helps me ground myself and to relax.”

At least until the next big event at Canyonview.