Yorkville’s Bryce Baxa Balances Baseball and Football Ambitions

Bryce Baxa, a junior at Yorkville, stands at a crossroads in his sports career. In the near future, he will need to choose between pursuing baseball or football at the collegiate level. Baxa acknowledges the challenge but considers it a positive dilemma.

Throughout the summer, Baxa has juggled a busy schedule. He split his time between varsity football camp with the Yorkville Foxes and participating in travel baseball tournaments with Team Elite, based in North Aurora.

After a friendly game of water balloon dodgeball, organized by Yorkville coach Dan McGuire at the end of the camp, thoughts returned to Baxa’s future. College recruiters are waiting for his performance this season to make decisions. “Baseball or football?” wondered McGuire. “He’s talented enough for either and Division I material in football.”

In May 2026, Baxa fielded a grounder and threw for an out against Oswego East during a Southwest Prairie Conference game. Last fall, as a sophomore, he earned all-conference honors at defensive tackle and holds a game-day invite to Kansas State.

Although his primary position is catcher, the 6-foot-2, 225-pound athlete also pitches and bats as a designated hitter. Baxa remarks on the tough competition he faces, particularly highlighting the experienced offensive line he practiced against last year, enhancing his football skills.

On the baseball front, Baxa notes the increasing speed pitchers throw at, mentioning how younger players are acclimating to high velocities. He trains by setting up pitching machines to simulate fast pitches, preparing himself for the challenge.

In football, Baxa, alongside junior tackle James Sapp Jr., anchored Yorkville’s defensive line, leading to a successful 7-3 season with 47 tackles each. Coach McGuire praised Baxa’s strength, explosiveness, and toughness. Baxa’s contributions included four tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and a blocked field goal.

Initially a linebacker, Baxa transitioned to defensive tackle with concerns about being undersized. Despite this, he committed to bulking up, reaching between 235 and 242 pounds last season. This year, he anticipates a move to defensive end.

Baxa credits his older brother Blake for helping him prepare for varsity sports. Starting in seventh grade, Blake included Bryce in weightlifting sessions, with guidance from assistant coach Chris Galloway. By eighth grade, Baxa achieved a 275-pound bench press.

For Baxa, playing college sports remains a significant goal. “It would mean a lot,” he shared, “not only for myself but for my parents and coaches who have supported me.”