Titans’ Tyson Rozario commits to the Highland Community College Cougars in Freeport, Illinois
Veteran Titans’ utility player Tyson Rozario has committed to the NJCAA D3 Highland Community College Cougars. The resident of Stouffville was very pleased about signing his letter of intent with the Freeport, Illinois Junior College: “I’m beyond excited about my commitment to Highland Community College. This is an opportunity to compete at the next level. To better myself on and off the field means a lot to me and I’m excited for what’s ahead with the Cougars.”
It was also evident that Rozario was impressed with the congenial nature of the Cougars’ coaching staff as well as the level of facilities that are available to student-athletes—both of which affected his commitment to the Midwest NJCAA school: “I decided to commit to Highland Community College because of the warm, welcoming atmosphere I experienced with both the coaching staff and the players. From the moment I interacted with them, I could tell they were a close-knit group who genuinely cared about their athletes. The facilities are also top-notch and perfectly align with my goals for growth not only in baseball, but in the classroom and as a person. I felt like Highland would provide the perfect environment for me to continue developing both as an athlete and an individual.”
Rozario disclosed what he is looking forward the most to living in Freeport, Illinois: “The thing I’m most excited about is the opportunity to play baseball every day. I know I’ll have access to great equipment and training facilities, which will allow me to sharpen my skills and push myself to be better. It’s not just about playing the game I love, but about working with a coaching staff that’s dedicated to helping me take my game to the next level.”
The articulate graduate of Stouffville District Secondary School is “pursuing a degree in Business because I’ve always been interested in how businesses operate. I’m especially excited to learn about global business and how the economy works on a larger scale. It’s something that really intrigues me, and I know it will be challenging, but I believe it’s the perfect fit for me to dive deep into and develop the skills I’ll need for the future. My goal after my two years at Highland is to transfer to a university to further my education and pursue business at a higher level.”
Titans’ 18U Head Coach Kirby Smith expressed his satisfaction at seeing a player he has worked with since 2022 ascend to the ranks of a US College baseball player: “Very excited to see Tyson continue his baseball career at Highland Community College. I have had the pleasure of working with Tyson over the last three years. He brought his passion and love for the game every time he set foot on the field or in the facility. He had a goal and continued to pursue it through any adversity he faced along the way.”
Coach Smith credited Rozario for having the kind of intense focus and versatility as the prototypical utility player to generate excellent performances on the diamond: “Tyson has always had a competitive edge to his game; he uses that get to get the best out of himself and his teammates on the field. His hard work and dedication will serve him well moving to the next level. College teams want competitors with skill and I believe Tyson fits this bill well.”
The veteran coach delineated some of the challenges that face US College baseball players: “He’ll face adversity in college as all college ball players do, but his continued drive and relentless efforts will help him navigate any situation he is set to face. I’m super proud of Tyson and this new chapter he is about to embark on.”
With this new chapter in his life about to begin, Rozario outlined his athletic and academic goals as a student-athlete with the Highland Community College Cougars: “As both a student and an athlete, my goal is to get better every single day. In the classroom, I’m focused on working hard to increase my GPA. On the field, I want to continue to improve my skills, especially at the plate, while also becoming more physical in the weight room. I believe building strength will help me elevate my game. I also want to create new connections with my teammates and coaches, and really focus on developing discipline and mental toughness both on and off the field. My ultimate goal is to take my game to a higher level while also setting myself up for success academically so I can transition smoothly to university after two years.”
The infielder/outfielder’s placement at Highland was a combination of his own initiative and the Titans’ preparation of its players for the recruitment process. He explained the steps he took:
“While the Titans didn’t directly place me with Highland, this school actually reached out to me after some interactions on social media. However, I must say that the Titans have been incredibly supportive of my desire to attend Highland, and I am grateful for all the guidance and encouragement I’ve received from the program throughout my recruitment process.”
Upon reflecting on his career with the Titans, Rozario identified the highlights of his time with the CPBL club and playing in the top youth baseball league in Ontario. The “true utility player”-- as Coach Smith described him--credited the coaching staff for his development as a ballplayer: “The highlight of my career with the Titans has definitely been the connections I’ve made with my teammates, coaches, and the families involved in our program. The relationships I’ve built are something I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I’ve also been fortunate enough to learn new techniques and improve my skills under the guidance of some amazing coaches.”
With his US College placement goal realized, Rozario offered tips to the younger Titans about achieving post-secondary goals as a student-athlete: “My advice to younger players would be to put your head down and work hard both on and off the field. Hit the gym, take care of your body, and always work hard in the classroom. Make connections with your teammates, coaches, and others in the game. Most importantly, hustle on the field and show respect for the game. It’s not just about talent; it’s about consistently putting in the work and maintaining a strong work ethic.”
The Titans Baseball Club extends its congratulations to veteran 18U utility player Tyler Rozario. We wish him much success on the diamond and in the classroom at Highland Community College in Illinois when his NJCAA baseball career commences in September.