Commitment Q&A with '27 RHP/UTL Cooper Vais (University of Texas)
January 13, 2026
2027 RHP/UTL COOPER VAIS (TEXAS COMMIT)
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Cooper Vais RHP / SS / Arvada West, CO / 2027Vais is a highly projectable arm with advanced pitch metrics and a strong track record of production against top competition. At 6-foot, 190 Ibs, he brings a durable, athletic frame that pairs well with a cut-fastball sitting 89–90 mph, touching 91 with spin rates near 2600 rpm at this summer's Prep Baseball Future Games. Vais shows advanced feel for spin and pitchability, carrying both a sharp slider at 80–81 mph (2800+ rpm) and a curveball at 75–76 mph (~2600 rpm) that give him legitimate swing-and-miss upside against both righties and lefties. The polish in his arsenal already translates to in-game dominance, as shown by his 54.1 IP with 93 strikeouts, 30 hits allowed, 18 walks, and a 1.29 ERA this spring at the 5A level in Colorado. With athleticism, command, and high-level pitch data, Vais profiles as one of the more advanced young arms in the state, with a ceiling that could carry him into impact roles at the next level.
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OUR Q&A:
Prep Baseball: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?
Cooper: I felt like I put myself in the best situation as I could to be recruited, but I had no idea the volume of calls I would actually get the first two days. I felt so fortunate and blessed to have so many top level schools have interest in me for their baseball program. At times it was overwhelming but a process I was so fortunate to have.
Prep Baseball: What do you like most about the program you chose, and what were the key factors in making your decision?
Cooper: The coaches and culture of the program at Texas were a key factor in my decision. After the second day of my recruiting trip I was ready to run through a brick wall for the coaching staff. Their knowledge, motivation and care for the players was obvious from day one. The Texas baseball tradition and opportunity to play in Omaha excited me.
Prep Baseball: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?
Cooper: Some advice I would give to younger players is being consistent, establishing a routine and putting in the hard work is what matters most. Don’t try to be someone that you aren’t, figure out what the best version of yourself is, and be that person.
Prep Baseball: Was there a particular Prep Baseball tournament or showcase that helped accelerate your recruiting process? If yes, how so?
Cooper: The Prep Baseball Futures Game was a great opportunity to play with other top athletes and showcase my skills in front of 100’s of coaches.
Prep Baseball: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?
Cooper: Texas A&M, Alabama, Oregon State, Virginia, Mississippi State, Vanderbilt and Ole Miss.
Prep Baseball: At what point in your career did you realize you were a college-caliber player and became serious about taking your game to the next level?
Cooper: I have always dreamed of playing baseball at the next level since I was a young kid. It wasn’t until around 7th grade that I actually saw that if I kept putting in the work my opportunity and skills would continue to grow. I kept seeing the harder I worked the more opportunities I was getting which continues to be my motivation.
Prep Baseball: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?
Cooper: Anytime I get to be on the field competing with my teammates, it’s a great memory for me. One experience that really stands out was when I played in a tournament in Dallas with my Elite team, then drove 14 hours with only about four hours of sleep to get to Atlanta. I ended up pitching the semifinal game of the WWBA National Championship with my USA Prime National team. The adrenaline, energy, and excitement of competing at that level and winning the championship for the second year in a row with my teammates is something I’ll never forget.
Follow Cooper on X: @cvais_02
or Instagram: cvais.02
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UPCOMING EVENTS
| SHOWCASE | STATE | DATE | LOCATION |
| Super 60 Pro Showcase | NATIONAL | 02/01 | The MAX - McCook, IL |
| Northern Colorado Preseason ID | CO | 02/01 | Lasorda Legacy Academy - Johnstown, CO |
| South Denver Preseason ID | CO | 02/08 | HitStreak - Aurora, CO |
| Denver Preseason ID | CO | 02/15 | Next Era - Englewood, CO |
| Colorado Preseason All-State (Invite-Only) | CO | 02/22 | The Farm Sports - Colorado Springs, CO |