Kairon Hernandez Commits to NJCAA D1 Rend Lake College Warriors in Illinois

18U Titans veteran Kairon Hernandez committed to pitch for the Rend Lake College Warriors on the weekend. When he arrives at the southern Illinois campus in September 2024, Hernandez will join a succession of Titans’ graduates-- Nolan Thomson (Class of 2023) and Colby Guy (Class of 2022)—who have played for the powerhouse NJCAA Division 1 squad.  Hernandez is the fourth Titan to commit to a US College from the Class of 2024.

In addition to playing baseball with familiar faces like Nolan Thomson in Illinois, Kai Hernandez had plenty of reasons to commit to the Warriors:  “I chose to commit to Rend Lake College because I believed it to be the ideal fit for me. During my college visit, I had an amazing experience on campus. The coaching staff members were welcoming and our conversations were insightful. I was struck by the friendly atmosphere of the school which drew me in. I am confident that Rend Lake will give me an excellent opportunity to compete at the highest level on the baseball field while studying at an excellent institution.”

Hernandez, a graduate of Sacred Heart Catholic High School in Newmarket, disclosed a few reasons he is looking forward to living in Illinois:  “Although I don't know much about Illinois, I am excited to immerse myself in the state's sports culture and learn about a new place.”

The dual player—who has pitched and played outfield for the Titans-- noted that he will be focusing his studies on “Business Management as my major while at Rend Lake College” and outlined his goals as a student-athlete at the Ina, Illinois campus:  “As a student-athlete, my academic goal is to make the Honor Roll and set a positive example for others. On the field, I want to challenge myself by striving to improve daily and truly master my craft. Learning from coaches and teammates, I will push myself to compete at the highest level possible.”

Titans’ College Placement Officer Denis Bailey believes in Hernandez’s capacity to compete at the highest level possible:  “Kai has the potential to really progress at the next level.  He spins his off-speed tremendously and has a next gear that will help him compete successfully in Division 1 baseball.”

Hernandez took time to thank the organization—especially Coach Bailey-- for his placement at Rend Lake College:  “The Titans and Coach Bailey were invaluable in helping me with my college baseball placement. They communicated with me and my family, provided guidance and direction, and helped me find the perfect fit for my academic and athletic goals.”

Hernandez--an original Titan--reflected on the highlights of his career in the CPBL:  “I have been with the Titans since its inception and I have many career highlights to be proud of. The program has given me a platform to develop my skills and the coaches have been incredibly supportive throughout.”

As a player who has starred with the Titans for four years and has now earned a Division 1 scholarship, Hernandez offered some pointers to younger Titans about attaining their post-secondary goals:  “My advice to younger players is to focus on hard work and dedication. Make the most of your time at TNF, get your reps in, and build successful habits that set you up for success. By putting in the work, anyone can achieve post-secondary goals as a student-athlete.”

The Titans Baseball Club wishes to congratulate Kairon Hernandez on his commitment to Rend Lake College. We wish him tremendous success both with the 18U Titans in his final CPBL season in Spring 2024 and with the Warriors in Fall 2024.