Chase Lockwood Embarks on College Journey with Illinois State

Chase Lockwood, a standout senior from Libertyville, made a swift transition to college life. Less than 24 hours after winning the Class 4A state championship on June 13, he moved into his dorm at Illinois State. The whirlwind of events hasn’t given him much time to reflect on his high school accomplishments.

Lockwood remarked, “It’s been a crazy time, so I haven’t had a lot of time to fully process what we accomplished.” Now, as a college pitcher, he looks forward to facing tougher competition, playing once a week.

As the 2026 News-Sun Baseball Player of the Year, Lockwood’s high school achievements are remarkable. He holds a team record with 30 career wins, capped by a complete game victory over Lane Tech. Statistically, he completed the last season with a stellar 12-1 record, a 1.89 ERA, and a 69-to-10 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 70 1/3 innings.

Libertyville coach Matt Thompson shared, “His statistics show how much he achieved in three years, and we certainly always felt great about our chances when he was pitching.”

Not only a pitcher, Lockwood also contributed significantly as a hitter, with a .340 batting average and 17 RBIs. His clutch performances helped the Wildcats win crucial games, including the state semifinal against Mount Carmel.

Lockwood’s skills are evident on the mound, consistently finding the strike zone with four pitches, including a fastball reaching 90 mph. He joined the varsity team earlier than expected due to a teammate’s injury, quickly proving his capability. Over his high school career, he compiled impressive records each season, demonstrating both physical and mental growth.

A significant moment in Lockwood’s career was pitching out of a jam during the supersectional against Lane Tech, striking out two batters after an error reduced the lead.

His competitive spirit is influenced by his older brothers, Cole and Connor, who also excelled at Libertyville. Connor Lockwood, now a role model in college baseball, has been particularly influential. Connor’s experiences, including overcoming adversity, have provided Chase with valuable insights, particularly regarding confidence and perseverance.

Chase acknowledges the importance of this guidance, especially as he prepares for the challenges of college-level competition. “I’m looking forward to getting started,” he said, expressing readiness for the journey ahead.