TAMPA, Fla. — Heather Castle, the director of activities and training at Big Brothers-Big Sisters of Tampa Bay, recently paid a visit to 11-year-old “little brother” Jayvion for a big surprise: A signed Super Bowl football from Bucs’ linebacker Lavonte David.

Castle knows first-hand the importance of mentors.

While a student at Gaither High in Tampa, she was on the basketball team with the daughter of former Chicago Bears defensive lineman Tyrone Keys.

“He believed in me,” Castle said of Keys. “(He) told me he could see me playing at the college level of sports. Because sports is a huge part of my life and my world. I actually wound up getting a full scholarship at St. Leo University and played basketball for them.”

Castle said now it’s her turn.

“I love the opportunity to give back to these kids and really kind of come full circle,” she said.

Castle is the first person incoming Big Brothers and Sisters meet to learn about the organization and about being "a defender of potential" to these 5 to 13-year-old children, often from low income homes.

“That way they kind of serve that child and provide unique opportunity to really learn and bond,” she said. “Help them in that future, take real interest in them and make an impact on that child’s life.”

She said the need for adult volunteers is great.

“This is a great program to get involved in. It’s very fun,” Castle said. “You get to bring out your inner kid. You get to inspire a young individual in need and you really create that true one-on-one mentor relationship and that’s what we’re all about.”