The Rochelle Township High School soccer pipeline into Kishwaukee College continues to grow, with senior forward Diego Salazar signing to continue his academics and his soccer career with the Kougars next year.
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ROCHELLE — The Rochelle Township High School soccer pipeline into Kishwaukee College continues to grow, with senior forward Diego Salazar signing to continue his academics and his soccer career with the Kougars next year. An Interstate 8 All-Conference First Team honoree, Salazar scored 20 goals and dished out five assists for the Hubs during the 2023 season.
“I chose Kishwaukee College because it’s pretty close to home and it’s affordable,” Salazar said. “I also received a scholarship. I want to do my best and keep improving so I can get noticed by more scouts and hopefully keep my soccer career going. The biggest area where I improved was communicating with teammates and making sure they knew what to do on the field.”
Salazar played soccer at RTHS for four years, with all four years coming at the varsity level. The left-footed forward was an All-Conference Honorable Mention in the Interstate 8 during his junior season, where he scored 22 goals and added four assists. Salazar recorded three goals and three assists as a sophomore as well as four goals and five assists as a freshman.
“Coach [Male] pushed all of us to be better players and I think that will help me during college,” Salazar said. “Remembering how he pushed me will motivate me to push harder in college. I want to be an outstanding college player as a freshman and playing forward is where I’m most comfortable because I’ve played that position ever since I started playing soccer.”
Salazar, who began playing soccer when he was 6 years old, said he hopes to continue his education and his athletic career at a four-year school after completing his studies at Kishwaukee College. Salazar is currently competing with the Rochelle Hub track and field team.
“I enjoy how intense soccer games can be when we’re playing a good team,” Salazar said. “It’s a sport that brings people together and it’s a way to meet new friends. I hope to be a good teammate with the Kishwaukee College team and I’ll do whatever they need me to do.”
Salazar is one of several Rochelle Hub soccer players who've continued their career at Kishwaukee College in recent years. Among the others are RTHS alums Jared Montano, Josue Orozco, Josh Hurtado, Max Torres, Josue Almaraz, Ruben Herrera, Juan Montemayor and Jessee Infante.
