A fractured wrist may have ended Rochelle senior Matayo Rodriguez’s high school baseball career prematurely, but the Hub student-athlete will have another opportunity to take the field.

Rodriguez recently signed to continue his academics and athletics with Kishwaukee College next year. Rodriguez said he plans to study business and finance in hopes of starting his own business. Rodriguez said he’s also interested in becoming an investor or real estate agent.

“I chose Kishwaukee College because of its baseball program,” Rodriguez said. “It was one of the closest and most affordable colleges I could attend while remaining close to my family and my job. I’m looking forward to continuing my baseball career as an outfielder, meeting my new coaches and meeting new teammates. I’m also looking forward to the team camaraderie.”

Rodriguez will look to have a breakout season with the Kougars after losing his senior season to injury and his junior season to the COVID-19 pandemic. Rodriguez spent one season with the Rochelle Hub freshman baseball team before moving up to the sophomore team the following year. Rodriguez said playing in Rochelle has taught him perseverance and determination.

“I believe that each of my coaches, from Little League to travel baseball and high school, have helped mold me into the person I’ve become,” Rodriguez said. “I hope to bring speed, agility and a positive attitude to the Kishwaukee College team. I also hope I can steal some bases.”