ROCHELLE — While his presence may not have always shown up on the stat sheet, Bryan Garcia brought toughness and leadership on defense and in the midfield throughout his four years with the Rochelle Hub varsity soccer team. Garcia will look to carry those skills over to the next level after signing to continue his academics and athletics at Rock Valley College next year.

Garcia stepped into a varsity role during his freshman season, earning his first career assist and helping the Hubs win nine matches. Garcia, who plays club soccer for the Rockford Raptors, took on a larger role for the Hubs as a sophomore, scoring his first varsity goal and finishing with two goals and two assists. Rochelle won 11 matches during Garcia’s sophomore campaign.

“I chose RVC because overall, they have a very good program,” Garcia said. “Their head coach was the one who helped sway my decision. He made RVC sound like a family, not just a team. He showed me around campus and after that day, I knew it was the right place for me. I’m most excited to play with my teammates who I played with during my club season. I believe it’ll help me settle down and be more comfortable. I’m looking to bring what I can and work hard.”

Garcia scored one goal during his junior season and tacked on a career-high four goals with one assist during his senior season this past fall. Garcia, who intends to study psychology and earn his associate’s degree at Rock Valley College, said that stepping into the role of team captain as a senior helped him become a more vocal leader on and off the soccer field.”

“Rochelle has helped me prepare to play at the next level by allowing me to be their captain,” said Garcia, who intends to play center midfielder or striker for the Rock Valley College team. “This allowed me to learn how to be more vocal and how to be a leader. I was able to improve my confidence at Rochelle because I got to play with my childhood friends and teammates. 

Garcia, who was named an Interstate 8 Academic All-Conference Honorable Mention during his senior season, said he aspires to continue his soccer career beyond the junior college level once he completes his associate’s degree at Rock Valley College. Garcia is one of three senior soccer players at RTHS who have signed to play at the collegiate level next year. Seniors Fernando Diaz and Alberto Casillas will each be competing at Kishwaukee College next year.