Eric Sorenson
Chandler Wolves football has long been recognized as one of the most successful, and hardest working programs, in not only Arizona but around the country.
As we welcome our Chandler alumni home, we’re proud to recognize the 40+ Chandler Football alumni currently playing college football!
Our Wolves continue to represent Chandler with pride, dedication and excellence.
Keep Going!
#OnceAWolfAlwaysAWolf #Homecoming2026 https://t.co/OZUTqLIOlI
— Chandler High Football (@chandler_wolves) October 14, 2026
This year-round dedication has equaled seven state championships over the past two decades, as well as served as a springboard of opportunity for a number of players continuing their careers at the next level.
Senior safety, and multi-sport athlete, Austin Reese may be taking a road less traveled to the next level, but his standout play in the back half of the Wolves’ defense, as well as juggling academics and a rather unique part-time job, has been, well…pretty sweet.
Finding His Niche
When now second-year head coach Ty Wisdom arrived on campus, Reese was mostly playing in a different backfield.
“So, when I came in, he was playing running back and playing a little safety,” Wisdom recalled. “He’s a talented running back. He’s a very good athlete.”
Reese’s versatility allowed the Chandler coaching staff to re-access the depth chart before last season and move him to full-time safety.
“It was just one of those, as coaches, we said, ‘Where do we see the need most,'” said Wisdom. “He’s one of those players who’s willing to do whatever. It wasn’t a fight, by any means.”
For Reese, the move made sense.
“I always liked playing safety more.”
🌟Full-Season Highlight🌟
Class of 2027
📸Second-team All-Region
6’0, 180lbs
3.5 GPA
7.4 Tckl/G
89 Total Tackles, 39 Solo
2 Int
6 PBU
2 TFL
1 Caused, 1 Fmb Rec
@Coach_Wiz3 @Ajustin24 @lamCoachDRich @gridironarizona https://t.co/aEm5NxpGmc— AustinReese (@Austin_Reese18) April 23, 2026
His junior year produced 89 tackles (7.4 per game), two interceptions, six pass breakups, two tackles for loss, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery as the Wolves reached the Open Division Championship Game.
Leading by Example
Reese isn’t going to be the one delivering passionate pre-game speeches, or banging on lockers at halftime after a disappointing start.
It’s simply not his personality.
Never has been.
“He’s a man of few words but he’s a worker,” Wisdom said without hesitation. “He’s a leader by example. He doesn’t say a whole lot.”
There were some amazing performances this week! We are happy to say @Austin_Reese18 is the @cityofchandler game changer of the week! @Coach_Wiz3 @chandler_wolves @brettinaz @CUSDAthletics @ralphamsden https://t.co/PqGbR6xkc7
— The C-Town Rivals Podcast (@ctownrivals) October 19, 2026
The 6-foot, 185-pounder continues to let his play do the talking for the 7-1 Wolves who host Pinnacle tonight (October 29th) in a big 6A match up.
“He’s a special kid,” first-year defensive coordinator Gabe Martin explained. “He’s a leader on and off the field. His presence. You know when he’s there, because you also know when he’s not.
Salute to the @ctownrivals podcast for the Player spotlight on @Austin_Reese18 ! Your Breakdown on this kid was spot on as always. Great to see this talented athlete get well deserved recognition! Been a fan of the show for years, you guys rep the city so well! @chandler_wolves https://t.co/nRSVBUuK4A
— Derrick Richardson (@IamCoachDRich) October 23, 2026
“The way he finishes plays. The way he demands more of his teammates just with his play. Him being out there just makes everyone else raise their level of play, and I love that about him…we won’t get beat by the same play twice.
“Even last year, just watching him play, and how he’s grown [as a player] this year. It’s crazy to think what he’ll be like next year and for the rest of his football career.”
Reese, according to Wisdom, has played through a number of injuries and “handled it like a pro,” getting consistent rehab and treatment to keep him on the field, leading Chandler’s stellar defense, which has allowed only 13.75 points per game entering their showdown with the 6-2 Pioneers.
Bosa’s Best
Over the past several years, we’ve seen a sharp decline in high school students who work. A number of factors play into this – academic demands, a shift in at home responsibilities, maybe it’s high-level high school sports simply consumes too much time.
Every teenage situation seems to have its own wrinkle.
For the seemingly always busy Reese, instead of dipping out on part-time employment, he’s dipping donuts at a Chandler area Bosa.
“Oh, I don’t make the donuts,” he said laughing when asked if he works the super early shifts. “I just get the donuts out. I know how to dip them, but I have no clue how to make them. I just dip.”
When Reese, who also carries a 3,5 GPA, started at Bosa earlier this year word, obviously, got around the team quickly.
“My teammates come in sometimes, I hook them up with 25% off,” he said nodding his head with a wide smile. “Sometimes I’ll give them one for free but if they want a dozen, I can’t do that.”
His attitude on, and off the field, is simply infectuous.
“He’s a great kid, he’s always smiling,” Wisdom explained. “I take my kids to get donuts. My son will say, ‘Do you think Austin is back there?’If he’s there, he always has a big smile on his face [when he sees us].
“I’ve never seen the kid in a bad mood.” He’s a man of few words but he’s a worker.”
