By Carter Mitchell 

After a productive 2023 season, the Collegiate varsity baseball season came to an unfortunate end, finishing with a record of 21-5, one tie, and yet another loss in the VISAA Division 1 state semi-final game to Cape Henry Collegiate, 3-5. The Cougars have seen a long line of success in the past eight seasons, appearing in seven state tournaments and winning the 2016 state championship. 

Photo credit: Maggie Bowman.

This 2024 roster is full of experience and legacy that hopes to carry into this season. Returning co-captains Hartley Rahman (‘24, shortstop and JMU commit), Will Slater (‘24, catcher and VMI commit), and Miles Prusek (‘24, second base and Haverford commit) have been the leaders of success for this season, along with Seniors Mason Quigley (‘24, right-handed pitcher), Malcolm Pace (’24, left-handed pitcher), and Nicholas Chambers (’24, third base, right-handed pitcher, and UMW commit). I am fortunate to play left field for the team this year, and I’ve already committed to pitch and play first base for William and Mary after graduating.

In addition to six total college commitments to pursue baseball at the next level, the team has even more players with that potential. The ‘23 season showcased the team’s offensive ability that the ‘24 season is hoping to replicate. The ’23 Cougars hit a combined team batting average of .342, .465 on-base percentage, .541 slugging percentage, and hitting a combined 25 home runs. 

Prep Baseball Report Virginia/DC (PBR Va/DC), a baseball scouting bureau that hosts tournaments and scouting events over the summer and fall for high school players to get recruited, wrote about the Cougars’ 2024 season. According to PBR Va/DC, 

“The Collegiate Cougars have offensive firepower that is as good as, or probably better than any other offense in the state (public and private). Like fellow VISAA D1 O’Connell, the Cougars have a strong middle infield. Hartley Rahman (JMU) and Miles Prusek (Haverford) should handle the middle of the infield, with both being really solid defenders and offering some consistency and versatility in the lineup. Will Slater (VMI) is an experienced catcher and one of the better defenders behind the plate. Nicholas Chambers (Mary Washington) has some versatility in what he brings to the table. The Cougars have some big time firepower in the middle of the order with the bash brothers, Carter Mitchell (William & Mary) and Jett Bristow (UVA). QB1 Jack Callaghan should once again be a factor in the lineup. Their combination of athleticism, versatility, and power make them one of the toughest lineups to navigate, but they will have to figure out who is going to be the guy on the mound. Mitchell could potentially be one of the better arms, as he has the stuff to get outs. Also, watch for some arms like Carter Hepp and Mason Quigley to pitch some meaningful innings for the Cougars in 2024.”

The Cougars lost their workhorse on the mound from last year, Hayden Rollison (‘23), who is now playing football for UVA. Rollison accounted for 56 innings, 2.375 earned run average, 60 strikeouts, and 10 wins. The Cougars are working on replacing Rollison’s significant number of innings and wins. Quigley and Pace account for most of the starts, along with returning Junior Carter Hepp (‘25, right-handed pitcher). Following the starters, returners Chambers, Jett Bristow (’25, right field, right-handed pitcher, and UVA commit), and I will be the Cougars’ main relievers out of the bullpen this year. 

Photo credit: Bobby Fletcher via The Richmond Times-Dispatch.

Collegiate’s offense was on display in the 2023 season. I was fortunate enough to lead the team in batting average (.450) and home runs, with 6. Rahman, Slater, Callaghan, Bristow, Prusek, Hank Shield (‘23, Rhodes College ‘27), and Rollison all had home runs and hit above .300. The continuation of power should not stop this year, and the Cougars lineup will be a hard one for opponent pitching staffs manage in the 2024 season. 

I asked Slater about the departure of Rollison, and Slater’s response was positive: “I’m very confident in the arms that we have, so I don’t think it will be too big of a problem.” Slater said, “Just like every other year, [I was] working with my pitchers in the offseason, finding out strengths and weaknesses, kinda’ figure out what I can do to help them be at their best.” With Slater’s experience and ability to manage the pitching staff for multiple seasons for the Cougars, there is no doubt he will continue that this season. Reflecting on the past two semi-final state tournament games, which the Cougars both lost to Cape Henry Collegiate, Slater believes, “The past two years we have been up early, to begin the game. Honestly, just finishing out the game and not letting it get out of hand late. Just finishing strong, because I think we are good enough to beat anyone on any given day.” 

When asked about goals for the ‘24 season, Slater said, “Playing in the program for five years, for the last year, the goal is to always win a state championship, that’s at the top of the list. Honestly, just enjoying one last ride with my boys, because these will be the times we will all look back on and be appreciative for, so just really enjoy it while we have it.”

The 2024 season started with tryouts on Monday, February 19, and it couldn’t have been a more enjoyable beautiful day for baseball. Currently 3-1, the team’s common goal is to win a state championship and put the 2024 season on the left field “Monster.”

This season will be a special one, so come out to support the team in all of our home games and enjoy the atmosphere and, of course, team parent Josh Rahman’s smash burgers.

Featured image credit: Maggie Bowman.