After living in Mexico all of his life, senior Ivan Reyes moved to Texas his sophomore year. When he first moved, he pursued his passion and started playing organized football for the first time as a junior. 

Reyes was the backup middle linebacker on Kingwood Park’s junior varsity football team last year and helped the team to a 10-0 record. 

That was just a starting point though. Being a backup didn’t deter his work ethic going into the offseason. 

“It was crazy the amount of work I did,” Reyes said. “If I didn’t put in all the work I did that offseason like the weights, running track and everything else, I don’t think I would’ve made it to where I am now. My mindset was to do my best. I wanted the other team to be scared of going against me.”

Moving to Texas did not only introduce Reyes to football but also to a new language. He learned English not only by taking classes, but he primarily learned it by being around his fellow teammates and coaches.

“I didn’t know English when I moved here,” Reyes said. “But coming to school and talking to teammates really helped me. The football team helped me find a place where I could feel comfortable while learning a new language and also a new game.” 

After all of the offseason work and grit, Reyes was the number one middle linebacker on the depth chart going into his senior year. 

“Ivan is very aggressive and likes to hit, which makes for a really good linebacker,” assistant coach James Showers said. “He is hungry, smart and improving each week. I think he has a chance to play at the next level depending on his continued improvement.”

Showers said he can see the determination and leadership that Reyes brings to every play whether it be practice reps or game situations.

“He has grown into the position well,” Showers said. “The middle linebacker is the leader of the defense and has to be able to lead vocally and by example. Ivan is a natural leader and is handling the position well. He knows how to lead and is not afraid to speak up.”

Fellow middle linebacker Talon Benton notes that Reyes’s hard work is not going unnoticed. The two teammates are helping each other continue to get better. They’ve created a bond on the field and strengthened their friendship and brotherhood off the field as well. 

“This is one of the hardest working seasons I’ve ever had and it’s been tiring yet rewarding,” Benton said. “Ivan is a playmaker; he’s getting better the more he plays. He always has my back in practice and in games. When someone talks trash, hits me late or fouls me, Ivan will be the first to jump in with me to fight for me. We’ve become insanely close and he’s become a brother to me.”

In only his second year in the sport, Reyes is becoming a leader and just enjoying the game. He’s taking advantage of the opportunities presented to him, and he can’t wait to continue to perfect his craft.

“God is the most important thing in my life,” Reyes said. “None of this would happen if He was not there. I can’t wait to continue to get better and improve with Him guiding the way for me.”