Josh Hurtado has taken the field with many great players throughout his three-plus years with the Rochelle Township High School soccer program. The rising senior midfielder made an effort to learn from each one, and he’ll be looking to turn those lessons into results this fall.

A key reserve over his first two seasons with the Hubs, Hurtado broke through during his junior campaign, becoming a starting midfielder and notching six assists to earn an Interstate 8 All-Conference Honorable Mention. Rochelle has not had a losing season during Hurtado’s time with the Hubs, and Hurtado will aim to keep it that way when the 2020 campaign kicks off.

“We all performed great as a unit,” Hurtado said. “We had great chemistry on and off the field and we were able to understand each other better. Our expectations are to always keep improving because I know this year’s team has a lot of talent and potential… We had a great understand of where we were on the field and that made it easier for us to move the ball and score. I think we can improve our communication and our movement off the ball.”

Rochelle has won 44 games over the last three seasons, finishing 13-8 overall in 2019 after a record-setting 20-1-1 season in 2018. Hurtado, who spent time in the midfield and on defense this past fall, will be one of several upperclassmen returning with varsity experience. Hurtado said his awareness and communication have improved most during his time at RTHS.

“I enjoyed having the opportunity to improve on defense and I was used at left back for a few of our games,” Hurtado said. “I was able to pass the ball more effectively when I played in the midfield, which led to more scoring opportunities for us. I never want to settle and I’m always striving for ways to improve my game. I’m hoping to go the distance and finish my high school career strong… I think the main ingredient to accomplish that is simply hard work.”