Oakdale baseball star Cooper DeWaal commits to South Carolina
Oakdale junior Cooper DeWaal, the top-rated player in Maryland’s 2028 class by Prep Baseball Report, committed to South Carolina after a fast six-week recruiting process.
HERE'S WHAT WE KNOW
Cooper DeWaal is a junior at Oakdale High. He committed to South Carolina on Sept. 15. Prep Baseball Report ranks him No. 1 in Maryland for his class. He hit .500 last spring. He hit 10 home runs. He drove in 34 runs. He recorded 41 hits. He earned Frederick News-Post Player of the Year honors. His final group included South Carolina, Kentucky, Auburn, Clemson, Arkansas and West Virginia.
One of Frederick County’s top high school baseball players has made his college decision.
Oakdale junior Cooper DeWaal committed to the University of South Carolina, ending a six-week recruiting process that began when college coaches were first permitted to formally contact high school juniors on Aug. 1.
DeWaal entered the process as one of Maryland’s most highly regarded prospects. Prep Baseball Report ranks him as the No. 1 player in his class in Maryland, and his combination of power, infield defense and offensive production drew attention from several major programs.
South Carolina had been at or near the top of his list throughout the process.
After visiting the school, DeWaal announced his commitment on Sept. 15. He said the fit with the Gamecocks’ staff, resources and development environment made the decision feel right.
DeWaal was especially drawn to South Carolina’s coaching staff, led by Kevin Schnall, who previously coached at Coastal Carolina.
He said the staff’s background and the opportunity to compete in the SEC were major factors in the decision.
The commitment comes after a breakout sophomore season at Oakdale.
DeWaal hit .500 with 10 home runs, 34 RBIs and 41 hits, setting or breaking several Oakdale single-season batting records while also providing steady defense in the infield. He was named the 2026 Frederick News-Post Player of the Year.
South Carolina was DeWaal’s second official visit after Kentucky, which he considered his No. 2 option. His final group also included Auburn, Clemson, Arkansas and West Virginia.
For DeWaal, the decision was also about development.
He said he wanted to join a major program that could prepare him for the next level whether he eventually reaches professional baseball directly out of high school or develops further in college.
His immediate focus now returns to Oakdale, where he still has two high school seasons remaining before his college career begins.
WHAT IT MEANS
DeWaal’s commitment gives one of Frederick County’s best young players a clear next destination while he continues developing at Oakdale.
His combination of production, power and defensive versatility has already attracted national-level attention, and South Carolina gives him the chance to eventually compete in one of college baseball’s strongest conferences.
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