SENATOBIA - At least three Northwest men's soccer student-athletes will continue their playing careers at the four-year level this fall.

Midfielder Koby Rhone and forward Jesus Villegas both signed with Belhaven University, while defender Luis Cosme inked with Bluefield University. The trio are the first four-year signees for Northwest coach Michael Sullivan, who will enter his second season in command this fall.

Rhone played and started in 26 matches over a two-year span for Northwest, concluding his career with two goals and three assists. Last season, the Senatobia native tallied one assist apiece in a close loss to Belhaven JV and a 4-2 victory against Meridian.

Rhone scored both of his Northwest career goals during his freshman campaign, a year that saw the Rangers make the MACCC Quarterfinal round. He netted one of the team's two goals in a close loss to Hinds and provided the game-winner in a gritty 2-1 win at Holmes.

Villegas also posted a pair of successful seasons with the Rangers from 2021-22, capping his career with eight goals and two assists. The Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico native played in 26 matches and drew 19 starts, posting six of his eight goals during his freshman season.

Villegas was the team's leading scorer in both seasons, tying Cosme, Joncarlo Dunlop and Junior Sandoval with two goals last season. Both of his goals came in a road loss to Holmes on September 30.

Cosme spent three seasons with Northwest, joining the team in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Toa Alta, Puerto Rico native played and started in 34 career matches, totaling four goals and two assists, netting two goals in last season's 4-2 victory against Meridian on October 18.

Cosme was chosen for First Team All-MACCC accolades following the 2021 season and Honorable Mention All-MACCC recognition last November. He was also selected to represent Northwest in the 2021 MACCC All-Star Match.

With the signing of Rhone and Villegas, Belhaven has now picked up six former Rangers since 2010. Cosme is the first Northwest student-athlete to sign with Bluefield.

Belhaven competes in the Gulf South Conference at the NCAA's Division II level. Bluefield University is located in Bluefield, Va. and the Rams are a member of the Appalachian Athletic Conference, competing at the NAIA level.