Q&A With Hawaii Recruit Tycen Baruela

April 15, 2026
Prep Baseball Hawaii
Staff

We recently caught up with Tycen Baruela of Waiakea HS to discuss his commitment to the University of Hawaii and his journey through the recruiting process. One of the top 2027 prospects in Hawaii, Baruela has continued to trend up with his well rounded skill set, steady presence behind the plate, and natural leadership traits. As the recruiting process unfolded, he became more confident in what he wanted from a college program and ultimately chose a place where he can continue to develop on the field and in the classroom. With his decision now made, Baruela reflected on the recruiting process, the mindset that helped guide him, and the importance of staying grounded throughout the journey. He is also set to attend the 2026 Four Corners Pro Case in Phoenix, Arizona on June 2.

OUR Q&A

PB: What were your expectations regarding the recruiting process, and what were you looking for in a college program to continue your baseball career?

Tycen: I was looking for a program that would help me develop as a player, compete at a high level, and also support me academically. I also wanted to be somewhere that felt like home.

PB: What do you like most about the program you chose, and what were the key factors in making your decision?

Tycen: What I like most is the team culture and how the coaches focus on developing players. The key factors in my decision were the coaching staff, the opportunity to improve my skills, and the overall environment of the program.

PB: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?

Tycen: Stay consistent, work hard every day, and don’t give up when things get tough. Also focus on school and be coachable because coaches look for players with a good attitude.

PB: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?

Tycen: No, location didn’t really matter. The most important thing for me was finding the best program where I could grow as a player and a student.

PB: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you, and where did the school you committed to first see you play?

Tycen: The Future Games was where things really started to heat up for me during the recruiting process. That was where I felt I got the most exposure.

PB: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?

Tycen: University of Nevada, Reno and Loyola Marymount University were also on my short list.

PB: Who is the best player you have faced in your state, and what makes him a tough opponent?

Tycen: The best player I’ve faced was Bruin Agbayani. What makes him tough is that he is a five tool player and he plays the game hard.

PB: At what point in your career did you realize you were a college-caliber player and become serious about taking your game to the next level?

Tycen: I realized I had the potential to play at the college level during high school when I started competing well against strong players and getting attention from coaches. That’s when I really started taking training, practice, and school more seriously so I could reach the next level.

PB: Preview your high school team’s season for us. How do you feel your team will be?

Tycen: Our team is looking strong this season and we have a lot of talent and good chemistry. Everyone has been working hard and pushing each other to get better. I feel like we have a good chance to compete and have a successful season if we stay focused and play together as a team.