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Alief Taylor's Jefferson Benitez
BATTLE READY: Benitez commanding Taylor's attacking front
For those who actively compete, each one can remember when they first kicked a ball and began to foster a deep-rooted passion for the game.
Alief Taylor senior Jefferson Benitez is no exception.
“My first memories were of me playing soccer,” he said. “My family has always been into it and it’s been a part of my life since I could walk. We’ve got a lot of relatives so we’d go to the park every day and play. From then on, I’ve been a part of a team.
“That’s not to say I haven’t been through some tough battles with soccer. But that love for the sport never fades. I feel free when I’m out on the field, so that keeps me motivated to stick with it.”
As the team’s leading midfielder and one of its various captains who received an all-district honorable mention a year ago, he has gradually discovered his voice on the pitch, over the four years he’s spent with the Lions.
Bradley C, Collier (VYPE)
“Since joining this program, I’ve really noticed my growth in several areas,” said Benitez. “Compared to how I was at first, I’ve been able to open up and mature in a lot of ways, thanks to Coach (Anthony) Khan. It’s taken some time but I feel like I know myself better at this point and who I want to be.”
Like so many who have followed FIFA, Benitez has grown up as a ride-or-die FC Barcelona fan, while idolizing one of the greatest talents ever to exist, Lionel Messi, whose number he now shares.
Given Benitez’s background in the sport, one might assume that’s the path he wishes to pursue.
However, he’s ultimately decided to take an even more admirable route.
“I intend to join the Marines after I graduate,” he said. “That’s been a dream of mine for so long. I want to be the first in my family to join the armed forces, and be a part of something greater than myself. It’s going to be on my shoulders and I’m ready to work for it.”
But back to Alief Taylor.
The Lions went 15-7-3 in 2023, which was capped off by an appearance in the UIL-6A Area Round where they would narrowly fall to Humble.
That respectable performance is something Benitez and his teammates will aim to build upon this winter.
“To be honest, I’m really confident in this team’s ability this year,” he said. “I think we all know what Coach Khan’s plan is and how to execute, which should guide us to the next level. I feel like we’re going to make it farther this season, even though we’ll be playing some tougher competition. I trust my teammates, so I’m excited for the challenge.”
Benitez hasn’t been one to shy away from adversity thus far. It stands to reason that the goal might just be one he achieves in the near future.
Alief Taylor's Nataliyah Gray
TOP OF THE LINE: Taylor's Gray cementing status as an Alief legend
Gray’s proficiency as a scorer is unmatched in the district, as she surpassed the 2000-point and 1000-rebound milestones in 2023, to earn herself the distinction of being crowned the 23-6A Offensive Player of the Year once again.
Furthermore, she was named to the TABC All-Region team for the third consecutive year.
Most would assume that she aspires to be like WNBA sensations Angel Reese (Chicago Sky) or Caitlin Clark (Indiana Fever), just as many young athletes do.
Think again.
“If anybody else wants to say it, most would say (Angel) Reese or (Caitlin) Clark,” Gray said. “But for me, I love A’ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces). I think she impacts the game in so many ways. She’s a three-level scorer and that’s what I strive to do.
“I try to be more consistent in every single column – shooting threes, finding the mid-range points, and being able to drive to the basket. So, I definitely model my game after her.”
Gray also takes after her mother, Chontel Reynolds, who played for the University of Houston before reaching the WNBA.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Speaking of universities, Taylor’s leading scorer (20.8 ppg in 2023) finally announced where she’ll call home in the foreseeable future, as she signed with Mississippi State in November
“Going on my official visit there gave me a lot of perspective – how I can physically see myself going into that program. I feel like I have a real connection with Coach (Sam) Purcell and his staff, and I think they can help guide me towards my goal of joining the WNBA one day."
Her imminent collegiate career aside, Gray will soon embark on the final stretch of her time with the Lions.
Coach Brandy Jones’ squad went 20-15 last winter, which included an appearance in the Area Round of the postseason.
Now that they move into a new district (20-6A), what’s it going to take for Gray and company to reach that next step?
“I think it’s going to relate to our confidence and trust,” she said. “We need to be able to trust in each other in order to go far. Consistency will come through the work we put in at practice, for when we actually get going in the season.
“Our schedule is going to be a little harder this year. So, we’re going to match up against some good competition, which is definitely going to have us ready for the playoffs.”
Given her reputation and unquestionable talent, fans might very well see Gray on a professional court one day.
As a team, Taylor has the depth to make a considerable run into 2025, when the season heats up in December.
Although, regardless of what may come, she’s already solidified her standing as an all-time great to emerge from Alief ISD.