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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.
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Maricha Tisdell (Jr. F) of Alief Hastings GBB
IN SYNC: Tisdell finds her identity through the Lady Bears' evolution
Coming off a 21-12 finish and another trip to the postseason, Hastings has proven they can find numerous ways to sustain success.
As a sophomore, Tisdell was the team’s third-leading scorer and second-leading rebounder, ultimately compiling 133 points, 175 rebounds, 46 steals, and 18 blocks for the Lady Bears. That all-around performance now sets the stage for what could be a true breakout campaign.
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Her journey, though, hasn’t been without challenges.
“Throughout my career, I’ve experienced several injuries,” Tisdell said. “When that happens, it takes a toll on your mental health — all that time spent sitting out can make you feel helpless.
“During those stretches, you have to find yourself and recognize your worth off the court, too. I think the diversity of this team and coaching staff has really helped me build the confidence to do that.”
That foundation of trust has played a crucial role in shaping how the team operates.
“There’s a lot of communication that goes into figuring out what works,” she said. “We also miscommunicate on the way to getting there. So, it’s about finding that understanding – what each of our strengths are, and what we need to work on– to be on the same page as a whole.”
2025-26 Alief Hastings Girls BasketballJamey Wright (VYPE)
Still, it’s not all work and grind for the Lady Bears.
“During our first away tournament together, we stayed in a hotel, which was another first for us,” Tisdell said. “It was so fun — from the bus ride, to competing, and staying up late. That’s where we really got to connect, which is what being on a team is all about. That way, we can do the same when we’re on the court.”
With the 2025-26 campaign quickly approaching, the Lady Bears’ identity continues to evolve — and with Tisdell’s mix of resilience and leadership, they appear well-equipped to make it count.