By Aaron Allen, The Seattle Medium
In an era where professional athletes rarely stay with one team throughout their careers, 13-year-old Kaleeq Reece stands out as a young player with a deep commitment to his football family, the Renton Rangers.
Reece, a member of the Rangers’ 14U squad, has been with the organization since he was eight years old, a bond that has shaped his love for the game and his approach to sportsmanship.
Reece’s journey with the Renton Rangers began after a brief stint with the Pac Highway Chargers, where he first tried his hand at football at the age of five.
“I’ve played football for eight years,” Reece says. “I started at 5 years old with the Pac Highway Chargers. I played there, but they didn’t have enough players to start a team. After my second season, I joined the Renton Rangers and have played for them ever since.”
This long-standing loyalty to the Rangers has become an integral part of Reece’s football experience. Unlike many young athletes who jump from team to team, Reece has embraced the idea of sticking with one organization and growing alongside it.
“I like the whole Ranger organization,” Reece says. “They’re there for me, and they make me feel like they’re my family. It’s great playing for this organization.”
This connection is not just personal for Reece—it runs in the family. His mother, Starla, once cheered for the Renton Rangers, adding another layer of significance to their bond with the team. Reece and his mother have both grown to appreciate what the Rangers stand for and what they’ve given to the local football community. “It feels like home,” Starla says. “It’s more than just a team to us; it’s a family.”
Reece’s inspiration to pursue football stems largely from his family, particularly the male figures who have played pivotal roles in his life. His grandfather, who coached Reece’s uncles, was the first to encourage him to play the sport, and Reece’s uncles—several of whom also played for Renton—further fueled his love of the game.
“My grandpa inspired me because he used to coach my uncle,” Reece explains. “He encouraged me to play football, and my uncle too because I would see their jerseys. Some of my uncles played for Renton, and they pushed me to get involved.”
While Reece is focused on the present, he’s already thinking about the future and the next levels of football. He’s hinted at playing at the high school level and perhaps even beyond, dreams that his mother fully supports. “I’ll support whatever he decides to do,” Starla says, reflecting on her son’s ambitions.
For now, Reece is excelling in two sports, football and baseball. His size and athleticism make him stand out, especially on the football field, where he plays on both sides of the ball. Reece has thrived at positions like defensive end, tight end, and even the offensive line. His leadership qualities have earned him the role of captain on occasion, and his performances this season have been stellar, despite his team facing some challenges.
“I play on both the defensive and offensive lines,” Reece explains. “On defense, I’m a defensive end, and on offense, I play tight end and sometimes the offensive line.”
Though Reece has had a strong season individually, he admits that the team has struggled with injuries, which has been a major hurdle as they reach the midway point of the season.
“If I think about what our weaknesses are I would have to say staying healthy,” says Reece. “We have a lot of injuries and I think injuries is the greatest weakness for any athlete.”
Despite these setbacks, Reece remains confident in his own abilities and sees his mistakes as opportunities to grow.
“Personally, my strengths are learning from my mistakes and blocking,” says Reece. “I think I do a pretty good job at if I miss a tackle, I come back on the next play to make up for it. Also, when I’m blocking, I give a good three seconds in order for my quarterback or our running back to make their moves.”
For Reece, playing football is about more than just individual success—it’s about learning valuable lessons that will prepare him for life, both on and off the field. That’s where academics come in. Like many young athletes, Reece understands that being a good student is just as important as being a good player. His mother has made it clear that school must come first.
“Academics are very important,” she says. “I instill that in him and his sister. If the grades aren’t good or attendance isn’t right, there’s no reason why he should be going to practice or games. Education will always come before anything else.”
Reece echoes his mother’s sentiment, understanding the balance between school and sports.
“Yes, I get good grades. My parents make sure I do,” Reece says. “School is very important to me because if I get in trouble at school, my parents will let my coach know, and I’ll have to run a lot of laps or not get to play.”
For Reece, the lessons he learns from football go beyond the game itself. He recognizes that education is key to success in life, whether in sports or other endeavors.
“The Renton Rangers is a good organization,” says Reece. “We have a great cheer squad, and even though our football team isn’t winning much right now, it’s about the experience. It’s about preparing for high school or college. Without a good education, you won’t make it far in life.”
Staying with one team demonstrates a sense of commitment, maturity, and loyalty, qualities that are not lost on his family. Starla is proud of the young man Reece is becoming, both on and off the field. She believes these qualities will take him far, no matter what path he chooses.
“Kaleeq is a very kind and respectful young man, and I see him going far,” says Starla. “Whether it’s in football or academics or whatever he decides to do later on in life I’ll support him 100% as long as it’s something positive.”
At just 13, Reece has already shown that he understands the importance of hard work, both in the classroom and on the field. Whether he’s tackling opponents or tackling his schoolwork, he’s determined to do his best—and that mindset is sure to take him far.
