Mercedes Castellanos | |||
---|---|---|---|
Personal information | |||
Full name | Mercedes Castellanos Soánez | ||
Born |
Ciudad Real, Spain | 21 July 1988||
Nationality | Spanish | ||
Height | 1.84 m (6 ft 0 in) | ||
Playing position | Goalkeeper | ||
Club information | |||
Current club | CBF Málaga Costa del Sol | ||
Number | 38 | ||
Senior clubs | |||
Years | Team | ||
2006–2011 | BM Alcobendas | ||
2011–2012 | Mar Alicante | ||
2012–2015 | Le Havre AC | ||
2015–2017 | BM Zuazo | ||
2017–2020 | BM Bera Bera | ||
2020– | CBF Málaga Costa del Sol | ||
National team | |||
Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
2008– | Spain | 98 | (4) |
Medal record |
Mercedes Castellanos Soánez known as Merche Castellanos (born 21 July 1988) is a Spanish female handball player for CBF Málaga Costa del Sol and the Spanish national team.[1][2]
Merche Castellanos is a renowned Spanish handball goalkeeper currently playing for Costa del Sol Málaga in the Liga Guerreras Iberdrola. She has been a key player for various teams, including Alcobendas, Mar Alicante, Le Havre (France), Balonmano Zuazo, and Bera Bera,[3] where she won multiple titles including two Spanish Leagues, two Queen's Cups, and one Spanish Supercup.
In 2020, she left[4] San Sebastian and joined Rincón Fertilidad Málaga, winning the Queen's Cup,[5] the Spanish Supercup,[6] and the EHF European Cup in her first season. She played a decisive role in leading her team to their first league title[7] in 2023.
Merche Castellanos has been a significant player for the Spanish national team, contributing to their gold medal victory at the 2018 Mediterranean Games in Tarragona.[11] She was part of the squad for the 2022 European Championships but had to withdraw[12] due to injury.
Alongside Silvia Navarro, Merche Castellanos represented Spain as a goalkeeper in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.[13]
In recognition of her contributions, the city of Ciudad Real named sports facilities after her: Mercedes Castellanos Sports Courts.[14]