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Alief Elsik's Alexandra Brooks
JOYFUL NOISE: Brooks leaving a lasting, multifaceted impression at Alief Elsik
A fixture in Elsik’s athletic scene, she’s an individual who seems to thrive in motion, balancing a year-round schedule that would test even the most disciplined candidates. Suffice it to say, Brooks’ résumé is full, and her impact is felt in every corner of campus.
“I’m just a competitor,” Brooks said. “I’m the type of girl who just wants to get it, with whatever goal I have in mind. I think that drive comes from my parents since they push me and encourage me. There’s rarely a time that I’m at home doing nothing because being involved in everything I can brings me a lot of joy.”
Now a senior guard for the Rams, Brooks has become a reliable presence in head coach Lin Roberts’ program — a player capable of bridging energy and composure. While her first passion may be cheerleading, she’s found plenty of room to thrive on the court.
“Just like in cheer, it’s always my teammates that help to bring out the best in me,” Brooks said. “Whenever I’m down, or in game situations, they give me that boost in order for me to hoop the way I should.”
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Beyond what any box score can show, Brooks’ story is one of growth and resilience — shaped by lessons that extend past athletics.
“Learning is something that I’ve gotten much better at,” she said. “Overcoming my dyslexia was definitely a challenge, and it took several years for me to do so, but I did. When it comes to the athletic industry, I also feel that my communication skills have really benefitted from that process.”
Looking ahead, Brooks plans to keep her schedule just as full.
She hopes to play basketball at the next level while earning a degree in education — with her sights set on returning to Alief, much like the mentors who once guided her.
“My cheer coach is like my second mom,” Brooks said. “It would be nice to return the favor in whatever capacity I can — whether that’s teaching or coaching. The goal is to come back and keep contributing to the place that helped me become who I am.”
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Santiago Castillo (Sr. CAM) of Alief Hastings Soccer
STYLE OF PLAY: Cohesion will drive Castillo, Hastings into 2026
“I enjoy all the sports and all the friends that I meet along the way,” he said. “But, soccer has always been the one that carries the most weight to me, since it was my first and the one I focus on more.”
Individually, Castillo’s growth has been steady and deliberate, emerging as one of the more consistent players on the roster from the CAM (center attacking midfielder) position.
Matt Powell (VYPE)
“I think I’ve been able to fine-tune my technical ability and finishing above other traits,” he said. “Literally growing and putting in the work to get stronger and faster has also helped me in that regard, since I used to be much smaller as a freshman. All that kind of plays off each other to make me a more complete asset on offense.”
Similar to his ideal athlete – Brazilian superstar Neymar Júnior – Castillo hopes to bring a sense of finesse and creativity to Hastings’ attack.
“Neymar has been my idol since Day 1”, said Castillo. “I’ve always seen him as a role model because of his playstyle. He’s going to go down as one of the greatest players of all time in my opinion.”
The Bears posted a 6-11-3 record in 2025, placing fifth in the district standings and just missing out of the playoff picture. However, Castillo sees the path forward clearly.
The stars of 2025-26 Alief Hastings SoccerMatt Powell (VYPE)
“I don’t think there’s any team-sport that requires more trust than soccer,” he said. “So, that’s exactly what it’s going to take for us to unlock our full potential, and finish the year with our best production.”
For Castillo, the experience isn’t just about skill or statistics — it’s about leadership and building trust within the team.
Competing against the likes of Elsik, Fulshear, Strake Jesuit, and Foster is easier said than done. But with a more defined sense of determination and a unified front led by Castillo, it’s entirely possible that Hastings will emerge as a club on the rise.