Terry Rooney has officially joined Wake Forest's baseball staff as the director of baseball recruiting, a position designed to attract top high school talent and develop those players into contributors for the Deacons' quest for a College World Series berth.
Rooney brings a résumé that includes championship pedigrees at LSU, where he was part of national title teams in 2009 and 2025, and a stint as pitching coach and recruiting coordinator at South Carolina during the 2026 season. His ability to identify and sign elite prospects was highlighted by his role in bringing Justin Verlander to Old Dominion, a move that launched the future Hall of Famer's career.
A Strategic Addition to the Coaching Staff
Head coach Tom Walter described Rooney's arrival as a "major coup" for the program, emphasizing that the new hire aligns with the school's recent investment in top‑10 recruiting classes over the past three years. Walter noted that the ACC remains one of the most competitive baseball conferences, making the need for elite talent acquisition even more critical.
Rooney expressed gratitude for the opportunity, stating his excitement to collaborate with the existing coaching staff and student‑athletes who share a common goal of elevating the program to new heights. He highlighted the importance of building relationships with high school coaches across the country to ensure a steady pipeline of talent.
The addition of Rooney is expected to accelerate Wake Forest's ability to translate recruiting successes into on‑field performance. With a track record of assembling championship‑caliber rosters, he is seen as the catalyst needed to convert the program's talent potential into tangible results on the national stage.