Bradley Soto Diaz, a two-year standout outfielder for Cayuga Community College Spartans Baseball, will continue his career after signing a professional contract with the Utica Unicorns of the United States Professional Baseball League.

The signing caps a college career that began at Cayuga and saw Soto Diaz enjoy stellar seasons for William Penn University and Carson-Newman University.

Reflecting on the journey, Soto Diaz first pointed to his faith.

"It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man." — Psalm 118:8

"A unique thanks to every single Coach that has come across my journey," Soto said. "Every single one of them has taught me different aspects of life, people, and the game itself."

Laying the Foundation at Cayuga

Soto Diaz's time with the Spartans spanned from the fall of 2022 through spring 2024. He quickly became a two-year starter and a driving force in Cayuga's lineup. His sophomore season was a breakout: a .400 batting average to go with nine extra-base hits and 26 stolen bases, numbers that established him as one of the most dynamic hitters in the program during his time.

A Monster Season at William Penn

His success at Cayuga opened the door to William Penn University, where he continued to develop into one of the more productive hitters at the next level. In his junior season, he put together a standout campaign, batting .385 with 17 home runs and 42 RBI in just 44 games — a power surge that signaled his readiness for an even bigger stage.

All-Conference Honors at Carson-Newman

That performance earned Soto Diaz the opportunity to spend his senior season at Division II powerhouse Carson-Newman University. He made the most of it, earning All-Conference honors after batting .380 with 42 runs scored and 38 RBI. He tallied 22 extra-base hits in 47 games, including 6 home runs, and added 12 stolen bases.

Turning Pro

Soto Diaz's steady rise through college baseball — from Cayuga to William Penn to Carson-Newman — has now led him to professional baseball with the Utica Unicorns. It's a well-earned opportunity for a player whose production only grew at every stop along the way, and it marks the beginning of the next chapter in his baseball career.

Cayuga Coach John Rizzo, who coached Soto from the start, saw the tools early on.

"The first time I saw Bradley play I knew he had the tools to excel at Cayuga and beyond. Bradley could run, had an above average arm in the outfield and plenty of bat speed," Rizzo said. "He was easy to coach. You only make small adjustments when someone comes in with that type of natural ability, then you stay out of their way. In his time, he grew into a great young man who was appreciative, hardworking and dedicated himself to his faith. No one deserves this opportunity more than Bradley."