Q&A with Southeast Missouri State Commit Cooper Callahan
January 27, 2026
INF Cooper Callahan (Blue Springs South) is one of the top middle infielders in the Show-Me State, currently ranked No. 29 in our latest rankings. One of the more complete infielders in the state, Callahan possesses some of the best bat-to-ball skills in the region, consistently producing multi-hit games and delivering in clutch situations. Defensively, he’s a polished, sure-handed fielder with smooth actions and advanced arm strength. This past summer, Callahan was a member of Team MOKAN at the Senior Future Games, committing to Southeast Missouri State shortly thereafter.
We recently had the chance to talk to Callahan about his recruitment process, along with some other fun topics, below.
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 wanted to find a place that I could feel comfortable being at for 4 years and surround myself with great people. I also wanted to find a program that will develop me and other players to get the best player out of me/them!
PB: What do you like most about the program you chose, and what were the key factors in making your decision?
C: The culture that SEMO has set and the winning drive they have. When I visited the campus, everything about it just felt right!
PB: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?
C: To just keep working while you wait for your opportunity and take care of all of the little things whether that is on or off the field!
PB: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?
C: Yes it did. I didn’t want to go too far from home and I feel like SEMO is a perfect balance between being away a little bit and being able to be home if and when I need to be!
PB: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Where did the school you committed to first see you play?
C: It really started to pick up this past spring/summer. I had been to a camp last November which is when they first saw me play, but really started to get in contact with me over the summer after seeing me play in KC.
PB: Was there a particular Prep Baseball tournament or showcase that helped accelerate your recruiting process? If yes, how so?
C: Definitely the PBR Future Games! I had the opportunity to go the past two years and would recommend anyone to go if they get the chance!
PB: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?
C: SIUE and UCM were some other ones on the list!
PB: Who is the next talented young player to keep an eye on out of your high school or travel program?
C: Parker Ward and Griffin Robertson both go to BSS and I think will be a great fit for program in the future.
PB: 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?
C: I would say my sophomore year is when I realized I could compete with higher level players but knew I needed to get a lot stronger so that was my main focus going into my jr year and ended up working out well for me!
PB: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?
C: Winning State this past year without a doubt. Was an incredible season and unforgettable memory!
PB: Preview your high school team's season for us. How do you feel your team will be?
C: We return a bunch of guys from last year and are working to have another successful season, just have to go out and perform again!
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