For Gecko athletes, GateWay is often only the first step in their post-high school athletic career. Many are working hard to continue once their two years at GateWay Community College are complete, reaching for opportunities at universities across the country.
Matt Maize, 2026 alumni, already traveled across the country to start at GateWay. From Elk Grove Village, IL, Maize played for the James B Conant High School Cougars before being recruited by Rob Shabansky, GateWay Athletic Director and Head Baseball Coach, where he led the 2024 team to their first sectional title and a state runner-up finish. In Phoenix, Maize established himself as one of the premier community college outfielders in the country while playing for the GateWay Community College Geckos. Anchoring the outfield with elite defensive instincts and a reliable left-handed bat, Maize put together a standout stint in Phoenix.
His stellar defensive play earned him a Gold Glove nomination, while his consistent run production and high-level hitting garnered ACCAC All-Region honors. Maize displayed a blend of plate discipline, contact ability, and defensive coverage that made him a marquee talent at the JUCO level and caught the attention of high-major collegiate programs, including Division I baseball right here in Arizona.
Now carrying his talent to Tucson at the University of Arizona, Maize is already capitalizing on opportunities to make an instant impact for the Wildcats. In Arizona’s recent exhibition game against the Naranjeros de Hermosillo, a high-caliber professional squad from the Liga Mexicana del Pacífico, Maize made the most of his plate appearance. Coming off the bench, he went 1-for-1 and came around to score a run, proving he belongs on the field alongside professional competition. As he transitions into Arizona's lineup, Maize brings a proven track record, dynamic athleticism, and a history of clutch performance to the Wildcats' outfield rotation.
GateWay is proud to be part of the journey for Maize and other dedicated athletes like him, who may have a long career ahead but will always be part of Geck Nation! 
