Jaylaen Higgins is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication student assigned to cover Xavier Prep for AZPreps365.com

PHOENIX – The laughter comes first. It’s the kind of laugh you can hear from across the field – light, contagious and unmistakably Ruth Reyes. But beneath that easy grin is the steady presence of one of Xavier Prep’s most dependable leaders. 

Reyes, a defensive back for the Gators’ flag football team started playing the sport her sophomore year. She said she was too scared to try out her freshman year. But being inspired by her older brother and the excitement for a new sport at Xavier eventually led her to become an aggressive and confident defender. 

“I was really scared when I first started,” Reyes said. “They tell you it’s no contact, but it’s definitely contact.” 

Head coach Matthew Reum said Reyes brings a rare blend of consistency and communication.

“She leads by example, and she’s also a great verbal leader,” Reum said. “You can rely on her every day – she’s the first one here and the last one to leave.” 

For Reyes, leadership means striking a balance between accountability and energy.

“I tell them that if we put in enough effort, we’ll get what we want,” Reyes said. 

Freshman wide receiver Evie Maas said Reyes is the team’s steady voice.

“She’s always talking during games, in the group chats and at practice,” Maas said. “She keeps everyone connected and answers questions when we need help.” 

Between early practices and classes, Reyes has learned to manage a full schedule. “Junior year was the worst,” Reyes said. “As a senior, it’s way easier now because we get a study hall. I just try to stay focused throughout the day so I have free time later.” 

When she finally gets a break, she uses it well. “I go to football games, hang out with my friends and go to dinners,” Reyes said. “I like brunch a lot and shopping.” 

At a school that values character as much as championships, Reyes said Xavier’s Catholic identity has shaped her growth. “Xavier really brings out your excellence,” Reyes said. “I’ve grown closer to God, and my values changed a lot from middle school to now.” 

That faith mirrors the foundation she finds at home. “My whole family plays sports,” Reyes said. “Nobody’s unathletic. They’re really excited to see me because I’m the first girl to play flag football.” 

Her mother, Lilian Amaya, a former Division I soccer player, remains her biggest inspiration. “She’s just inspired me to be the best I can be,” Reyes said. 

During the offseason, Reyes helps take care of her younger brother, but when football starts, her family steps in so she can focus on school and the team. “They’re always supportive,” Reyes said. “They come to games when they can, and I tell them the scores when they can’t, they’re proud of me.” 

Before each game, Reyes sticks to a few rituals: eating Nerds Clusters or Gushers, blasting “Come Thru” by Drake in her car – and getting locked in with music before kickoff. 

Reyes plans to join the U.S. Air Force to become a pilot while attending Arizona State to major in business administration. “I want to fly and study business,” Reyes said. “It’s something I’ve always dreamed about.”

Reum said her consistency and maturity will be difficult to replace. “The team will miss her presence,” Reum said.“She’s dependable and positive every single day.” 

“She deserves ‘Best Teammate,’” Maas said.“She never gives up after plays and always brings the team up.”