‘Everything Seemed To Line Up’ At Bryant For Hurley

William Hurley RHP / 2B / Longmeadow, MA / 2025

LONGMEADOW, Ma. - Will Hurley is continuing down that path he has thought about for a long time.

“Growing up I was dreaming of the Big Leagues,” the Longmeadow High School senior reflected. “In seventh grade summer I was throwing harder than others and it picked up in eighth grade. I started thinking about wanting to play in high school and after that I wanted to play in college. That’s when recruiting started.”

It has now ended for Hurley with a commitment to Bryant.

“They initially saw me my sophomore year summer so I got on their radar early,” the 27th-rated 2025 right-handed pitcher in New England related. “This past summer they came to see me at a tourney in Rhode Island and I pitched a complete game allowing one hit and no runs. It was a good game for them to see me. I was up to 88 and my command was good.

“They invited me on a tour after that and I loved it. Their philosophy is what I grew up with, hard work. My dad was my coach when I was young and that’s what he preached. It seemed like a good fit. They have a science program, the field is amazing, everything seemed to line up. They offered the day of the tour and I accepted a week later.”

The first offer in his recruiting process came from Southern New Hampshire but it was “too early to commit” according to Hurley, whose other consideration during recruitment was Stonehill.

“It came down to academics, Bryant had exercise science,” Hurley explained.

The abilities of the 13th-ranked senior RHP in Massachusetts made an impression on Bryant.

“They like my presence on the mound and my velocity caught their eye,” Hurley noted. “They preach first-pitch strike which I had when they saw me. They recruit character, not just on the field, it’s what you have off the field.”

The 17-year-old believes he can be a major contributor in the program at the America East Conference university.

“I’ll bring a good arm,” Hurley said. “I want to be a bullpen guy and make an impact my freshman year. They can help me out physically and I can be a good team player on the bench and good to have around the clubhouse.”

An improved game has been helpful in becoming a commit to the university located just 90 minutes from home.

“Physicality has made a huge difference for me,” explained Hurley, who has gained an inch of height and put on 10 pounds in the last year to reach 5-11, 180. “Getting in the weight room really made a difference between my old self and me. I’ve put on muscle which allowed me to put on velocity.”

The recruiting process began at a Prep Baseball showcase in the fall of last year where the 23rd-rated 2025 in Massachusetts made an impression on Southern New Hampshire.

“I posted my velocity and spin rate from that showcase on Twitter and I got a few DMs,” Hurley said. “The Procase was big exposure, where I met kids with similar interests, and I also played a Prep Baseball showcase this summer with the Bulldogs which gave me good exposure.”

Powerhouse Bulldogs coaches Matt Mayo and Max Weir were a big part of his baseball journey according to Hurley, after his father got it all started.

“My dad helped me the whole way, from being a Little League coach to eighth grade,” Hurley related. “When I hit high school he told me I was past his level. My mom and dad have really been huge supporters for me.”

The assistance everyone provided hit home when a commitment was made.

“What a great feeling,” the 59th-ranked senior in New England said. “It just felt right. There were other options on the table, but when I called (pitching) coach (Tim) Cronin I could tell he was happy to hear from me. When I called the head coach (Ryan Klosterman) he was happy he had me. Everything just felt right. It was definitely a milestone I will never forget.”

Hurley, who carries a 4.0 weighted GPA at Longmeadow, is excited to think about his days ahead at Bryant

“Athletically, the facilities are fantastic,” Hurley concluded. “They’re everything I want them to be. Academically, they just put in an exercise science program and I’m looking forward to putting my time in there. I’m in this for the long run.”