Terry Rooney, a seasoned pitching mind who most recently served as South Carolina’s recruiting coordinator, has accepted a similar role at Wake Forest, the university announced this week. His arrival comes amid a flurry of personnel shifts between the two ACC programs, signaling a strategic push to bolster talent acquisition for the Demon Deacons.
The move is part of a broader realignment that has seen four players and assistant coach Bill Cilento transition from Wake Forest to the Gamecocks, a ripple effect that underscores the competitive recruiting landscape in the Southeast.
A New Era for Wake Forest Baseball
Rooney’s tenure at South Carolina lasted two years, spanning the 2025 and 2026 seasons. During that period he was one of three coaches dismissed after the 2025 campaign, only to be recruited back into the fold when Paul Mainieri took the helm as head coach in June 2024. His departure also opened doors for Monte Lee and John Hendry, who have since secured head coaching positions at Charleston and Creighton, respectively.
Matt Williams, a veteran presence in collegiate baseball, has now been installed as South Carolina’s pitching coach, bringing fresh perspective to a staff that has been reshaped by recent departures.
Pitching Revival at South Carolina
Under Rooney’s guidance, the Gamecocks’ pitching staff posted a 6.41 ERA in 2025, a figure that placed them near the bottom of the SEC. A year later, the same unit improved to a 4.81 ERA, climbing to ninth in conference rankings and suggesting a turnaround in development and execution.
The statistical rebound reflects more than just numbers; it hints at a cultural shift within the program, one that Rooney hopes to carry forward as he builds Wake Forest’s recruiting pipeline.