GAMES
RANKINGS
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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Dany Molina (Sr. CB) of Alief Elsik Soccer
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Elsik's Molina anchors the renowned soccer program's next chapter
If not for a last-minute strike from Klein Cain’s Parker Glenn that broke a scoreless deadlock in extra time, the Rams might have had another shot at the trophy. But even in defeat, Elsik reinforced its status as a brand — one defined by intensity, pride, and an enduring hunger for more.
The stars of 2025-26 Alief Elsik SoccerJamey Wright (VYPE)
That hunger begins in the back line, where senior center back Dany Molina returns to anchor the Rams’ defense and set the tone for another run.
“We know that there are going to be some who doubt us, and it’s something that we were faced with last season,” Molina said. “That’s out of our control. So, all we can do is continue to work as hard as we can, as much as possible, and find out what we’re capable of, together.”
For Molina, though, the team’s story is still unfolding.
“What’s yet to come, you know,” he said with a grin. “Our story — or mine — isn’t over just yet, so it’s going to be what we make it.”
That sense of perspective captures both his composure and ambition. His understanding of the game — shaped by years of dedication — keeps him grounded in both mindset and execution.
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
“I’ve always been passionate about this sport,” he said. “From the time that I first started to walk to now, it’s just been a big factor in my life. The technique and mentality that I associate with it — that’s something I’ve come to appreciate, and it makes all the work worth it.”
When asked what makes Elsik’s soccer culture so distinct, Molina doesn’t hesitate.
“It’s our mentality and how we came up,” he said. “We use that to fuel us and our ambition.”
As the Rams prepare for another campaign, that mentality endures — steady, unflinching, and certain of one thing: the story isn’t finished yet.