Reese Monk (10) and Isla Reyes-Castelloe (10) have been all over when it comes to sports. With their extensive background of recreational basketball together, their paths crossed again when they both made Westview’s basketball team, and since then, they’ve been inseparable – and unstoppable.
Throughout elementary school, both Reyes-Castelloe and Monk have played for the San Diego Heat, a girls basketball recreational league. However, the team changed each year and they weren’t often on the same team.
“The teams moved around every year, so we were frenemies, and we knew each other, but we didn’t have a good chance to form a real friendship because we were always switching teams,” Monk said. “But then, COVID happened and everything closed down around sixth grade, and rec basketball closed too. Once [things started opening back up], my mom, who played basketball, created a team [in seventh grade] of people we already knew and I was like, ‘Let’s bring in Isla.’”
Because of this new team, Monk and Reyes-Castelloe immediately formed a bond. But, basketball isn’t the only sport they play with each other.
Reyes-Castelloe said their success working together pushed them to join more partner-focused sports, and they’ve found collaboration easy. Throughout their high-school careers, they’ve played basketball, beach volleyball, indoor volleyball, and tennis together as partners.
“Playing sports together, we’ve had a chance to learn all the different aspects about each other, in and out of the sport,” Reyes-Castelloe said. “So, our chemistry is really strong all around.”
Reyes-Castelloe and Monk agree that the plethora of sports they play together keeps them active and improves their teamwork when they continue on to the next sport. Playing different sports, they said, keeps them interested and passionate about the games.
“Last year, during beach [volleyball] season, we were talking about what we wanted to do together next year; we wanted to try something new,” Reyes-Castelloe said. “So we thought, ‘What about tennis?’ and then when we made the team, the coach realized we worked well and she put us together naturally. For me, I want to be a well-rounded athlete, so we wanted to try different things with each other.”
Monk and Reyes-Castelloe said that their close relationship helps them stay focused on playing their best and having fun.
“Being with [Monk] keeps the game light,” Reyes-Castelloe said. “A lot of times, you can get caught up in the competitive aspect of the game and it can get really stressful. But when we’re together, between points, or even during points, I know that she’s there for me as a friend, not just a teammate, so it brings a lot of the stress off for me. We can just have fun together in whatever we’re doing. If I were partnered with someone different, I’d be thinking, ‘Oh, was she mad at me for that point?’ But [Monk] can support me no matter what.”
To Monk and Reyes-Castelloe, their special traditions and pre-game rituals help them succeed and stay in the right mindset before the game.
“We have gone through a few handshakes; we’re trying to figure out what works,” Monk said. “We always start games the same way, with socializing and de-stressing during warm-ups. And then we have a little pair huddle before [the game starts] to get excited, and we definitely high five a lot. We’re really into that. Also, we have matching anklets. Last year we had a pink one and this year it’s blue. For me, every day is my favorite memory when we get to keep growing and learning together as friends and partners.”
The pair attributes their success to their ability to communicate well, both as friends and teammates, and remain understanding of bad games.
“We’ve avoided fallout really well because of the friendship we have in and out of our sports,” Monk said. “If we think that we can help each other, or if there’s something we or the other person needs to do to change the gameplay, we talk about it. We’re really open and honest, and we both know if there’s an issue we can save it until after the game and then sit down and talk about it. We don’t immediately get in our heads about it, which I think helps a lot for our success together.”
Monk and Reyes-Castelloe said they don’t want their journey to stop at just playing. Since their freshman year, they’ve been coaching ⅞ youth girls volleyball.
“A few years ago, we both started playing volleyball at the Boys and Girls Club for fun, but since we graduated eighth grade, we were not allowed to play recreationally anymore,” Monk said. “So we decided, ‘Wouldn’t it be fun if we went and coached one of the teams we used to play on?’ So starting last spring, we got to pick up a team to coach and spread our knowledge and give back to the same kids that we used to be. I think it’s a really good opportunity for us to give back and keep learning about the game, also working with each other is a big plus.”
This beach volleyball season, Monk and Reyes-Castelloe have a 10-1 record and said they hope to keep improving. Monk said she values their special partnership.
“I’m really grateful to have her,” Monk said. “Both in and out of the sport, she’s one of my best friends and I can’t imagine playing with anyone else.”
