With his senior season still yet to play, Freedom baseball’s Kyle Self knows he’ll get to continue his career at the collegiate level, doing so after a significant trip north.
The Patriots’ pitcher signed with Minnesota North College-Vermilion on Friday, agreeing to join the Ironhawks for the spring 2026 season.
The campus is located in Ely, Minnesota, far north in the state and not too far from Lake Superior and the Ontario province of Canada. The Ironhawks competed in the NJCAA’s Division III.
“They found me during a tournament down in Florida,†Self said. “I have this app called Field Level, and they reached out and emailed me. I went up to the school and they have a nice program I’d like to take in fishery and wildlife. I was like, ‘That’s going to be me.’
“So, I went up there for a visit, loved the coach, loved the buildings and facilities and the people up there. They’ve got a nice program. I love everything about it up there.â€
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Self said he isn’t too worried about how far away from home he’ll be.
“It’s going to be a process, but I think I’ll be alright with it.â€
Last season, the Ironhawks went 20-23 overall, including 7-11 in conference play. Self said he’s excited to join the rotation in 2026.
“I think I’ll fit in just fine,†Self said. “There’s a lot of good guys up there. It’s good competition. It’ll make me better. I’ll work harder and, hopefully, I’ll be a starter when I get up there.â€
As a junior, Self was one of the leaders of the FHS rotation. Self also was on the varsity roster for the Patriots as a sophomore and a freshman.
“Kyle is a great kid who has redefined himself in ability and in his physique,†said FHS baseball coach Tyler Hackett. “He is a lead-by-example guy and that’s been amazing for our program.
“He is an outstanding student and an outdoor-lover which will serve him well at Minnesota-North. Kyle is an example of hard work paying off. I couldn’t be happier or prouder of this young man.â€
With one more high school campaign still to go, Self is eager to lead Freedom as the Patriots seek to improve on last spring’s mark of 3-19.
“I’m excited for this season,†Self said. “We’ll have a good team. My goal is to have 100 strikeouts this season, or more. I got close to my goal and I think I’m going to get it this year.â€
Self also noted that he had several people to thank for their support during his baseball career so far.
“I want to thank God, firstly,†Self said. “Without Him, this wouldn’t be possible. I want to thank my mom, my dad and my girlfriend. They come to almost every game and support me. Cold, hot, rainy, windy, they’re there.â€
