TOLONO, Ill. (WCIA) — Unity grad Blake Kimball is taking his talents to Carbondale for one more season of college baseball.

Kimball spent the 2024 season playing for Southern Indiana, where he made 12 starts as a pitcher, having initially started his college career at Indiana Kokomo. During his sophomore year, he transitioned fully into pitching after starting off as an infielder.

Ahead of his next stop in college, he offers advice to other small-town athletes hoping to earn an opportunity to play at the next level.

“To every kid growing up in a smaller town or attending a less prominent school, I’d advise you to work incredibly hard. Do your best, and eventually, someone will take notice,” Kimball advised. “Stay focused, keep pushing forward. Though it may be more challenging coming from a smaller town, remember there’s always a glimmer of hope.”

Kimball is playing summer baseball in North Carolina ahead of next season.

While at Unity, he was all-state in football, baseball and basketball.