Duhaime Sees Virginia As The Perfect Place For His Future

Cole Duhaime LHP / OF / Brother Rice, MI / 2026

CLARKSTON - A letter from the Virginia head coach “sold the deal” for Cole Duhaime.

“He wrote to me about how they would help me and develop me,” the top-rated 2026 left-handed pitcher in Michigan said in reference to Hall of Famer Brian O’Connor, a three-time national Coach of the Year who led Virginia to the 2015 national championship. “I really liked it.”

Notre Dame and Mississippi were others in the top three schools being considered by the Brother Rice High School junior southpaw, who heard from 35 different colleges on Aug. 1, “from the SEC to the MAC to smaller D-I schools” according to Duhaime.

“The Future Games was the first spot they saw me,” the 15th-ranked 2026 in the nation said of Virginia. “That event really helped me get my name out there nationally instead of just in Michigan.”

After a connection on Aug. 1, Duhaime and Virginia kept in contact every week, including a zoom call with pitching coach Drew Dickinson. That led to a trip down south.

“I went on a visit there the first week of September,” Duhaime reflected. “I was on the top of their priority list and I had a really good visit. I fell in love with the school and the campus. The baseball facilities and the field were amazing and I loved the coaches.

“I checked out other places after that, but felt strongly about Virginia. The head coach sold the deal when he wrote me the letter.”

Virginia coaches see the 6-3 175-pounder as a major part of the Atlantic Coast Conference program’s 2026 recruiting class.

“They like that I’m projectable,” the second-rated junior in Michigan related. “I’m a good strike thrower with good offspeed. They see me as a guy who can come in freshman year to throw and get outs.”

Playing at the next level is something Duhaime has wanted to do for some time.

“Since I was a little boy I’ve wanted to play Division I,” the 17-year-old noted. “When I made a big jump sophomore season it started to become a reality.”

Duhaime pointed to assistance along the way, including advice from Brother Rice pitching coach Mike Steele.

“He helped me with going through the process, fine-tuning my mechanics and pitch profiling,” Duhaime explained. “The Future Games were also big for me. It was a little shocking that schools like Vanderbilt and Ole Miss reached out on Aug. 1. I had no idea. The Future Games showcased my skills and really helped a lot.”

Brother Rice head coach Bob Riker was also credited by Duhaime with benefitting the cause.

“Coach Riker helped me through the process with questions I had,” Duhaime said. “It’s why I chose Brother Rice, for the relationships, and while I chose Virginia, for the relationships. I’m a big relationships guy.”

A commitment to the University of Virginia, located in Charlottesville, a 10-hour drive from home, was “definitely a dream come true” according to the 158th-rated 2026 in the country.

“It was a little weight off the chest, being so busy with all the visits,” Duhaime admitted. “I’m happy about the decision and my family is excited for me. My coaches are proud as well. It was definitely a great feeling.”

Business will be the major for Duhaime, a 3.78 student at Brother Rice who has one major goal at Virginia, where he will take general studies his first two years at the university.

“I’m looking forward to making a run to Omaha,” Duhaime concluded. “Going off the run Brother Rice had in the playoffs, there’s nothing like that. If we ever get a chance to go to Omaha, that would be great.”