ROCHELLE — Fernando Diaz experienced both physical and mental growth throughout his four years with the Rochelle Hub soccer program. Playing all four years at the varsity level, Diaz saw his confidence and his physicality on the field increase as he gained more valuable experience.

That growth resulted in Diaz earning a key leadership role as a starting forward during his senior season, when he posted a career-high 16 goals while serving as a team captain for the Hubs, who won 12 games during the fall. Diaz, who concluded his four-year varsity career at RTHS with 33 goals and 13 assists, will continue his academics and athletics at Kishwaukee College.

“I chose Kish because it’s close to home and I will develop into a more confident and intelligent player,” Diaz said. “Playing soccer at Rochelle taught me to be confident in my decisions and to always push to be better. I’d say I improved in being more physical during my time at Rochelle because I always felt smaller than my opponents, so I had to adjust and be more physical.”

Diaz, whose twin brother Francisco also played four years of varsity soccer at RTHS, scored his first career varsity goals as a freshman in 2021. Diaz, who played midfield and forward during his time with the Hubs, enjoyed a breakout sophomore season in 2022, when he scored nine goals (third most on the team) and dished out four assists (tied for third most). Diaz said he intends to earn his associate’s degree at Kish and pursue a career as a physical therapist.

“I’m looking forward to making more connections with not only the people around me, but hopefully other universities to play for because it’s a dream of mine,” said Diaz, whose two older brothers, Alexis Bueno and Sergio Magallon, both played soccer at Kishwaukee College. “What swayed me to Kish was my brothers’ experiences with the program. I’m hoping that I can help and improve in the midfield and possess the ball. I want to get better at playing with IQ.”

Diaz scored seven goals and led the Hubs with seven assists during his junior season, when he became a team captain for the first time in his career. Diaz kept the captain’s badge as a senior in 2024, helping Rochelle bounce back from a five-win season in 2023. Diaz, who earned an Interstate 8 All-Conference award in 2024, will reunite with teammate Alberto Casillas at Kish.