While Isabel has changed personally over the last decade, she says Castilla has changed around her too.
The question of whether it’s a threatening place to live is met with no fewer than eight nos before the unwavering affirmation: “Castilla is not dangerous.”
Things do seem to be improving in Medellin as a whole. In January there were fewer murders than in any month over the last 40 years – 24, compared to 54 in January 2019. And it was celebrated that on 12 separate days in the month there had not been a single killing.
“The same people from the gangs before support me, saying I have to play and train. Everyone is always supporting me and saying I am the pride of the neighbourhood,” Isabel adds.
“Rugby can absolutely save lives in Colombia. Kids see rugby as an alternative to make a change.”
Isabel’s story is an incredible one, but there are so many more to be told among the impassioned group dedicated to making rugby’s foray into Colombia a success.
There is Alejandra Betancur, who introduced Isabel to rugby and will continue to introduce many others because she knows that the power of the sport is much bigger than any one player at any one time.
There is Jose Manuel Diosa, who was going to be kicked out of school before he found rugby, turned his life around and went on to captain his country.
There are the indigenous people living in a remote village on Colombia’s northernmost Caribbean coast, where children play barefoot on a clearing between clay huts, a makeshift pitch without posts.
There is the 2019 Panamerican Games bronze medal tearfully dedicated to coach Lucas Caro who was killed at the age of 31 after being caught in the crossfire between two gangs.
There are now around 18,000 rugby players in Colombia, more than 6,000 are women, and that number continues to grow.
Just like Isabel, every single person involved in the game – and indeed all Colombians – seem hardened from the many battles the country has faced.
Every team knows loss and this one has experienced much worse than defeat on the rugby pitch. But armed with a love for their sport, they are ready to move forward.
When Isabel and her team-mates pull on a Colombia shirt, it is about much more than rugby.
“We are thriving,” Isabel says. “This is something we represent 100%. We feel very proud because we are showing what Colombian women are made of.
“When I play rugby I feel like I am not vulnerable. I am indestructible.”