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PEN TO PAPER: Pearland’s Mader-Cooper and Castañeda sign to Rice
It isn’t uncommon for athletes to grow up on the same field together all the way to the high school stage. After all, schools and districts are zoned for a reason.
However, it is rare for lifelong friends to take that to the next level.
Two key contributors on Pearland’s state finalist baseball team – Jake Mader-Cooper (Sr. RHP/IF) and Isaiah Castañeda (Sr. OF/RHP) – have been on the same trajectory from the beginning.
“It feels amazing to have the opportunity to play at the college level with a friend I’ve played baseball with since Little League up to high school,” said Castañeda. “Jake is a great teammate and I feel like he’s someone who really pushes me and keeps me accountable. Keeping something like that going is irreplaceable.”
Both Mader-Cooper and Castañeda recently inked their futures by signing to play for Rice University at the conclusion of their high school careers. While they didn’t coordinate their initial decisions to commit, it seems like destiny played a part in it.
“Isaiah and I go back a long way, even with the All Stars when we were eight or nine,” said Mader-Cooper. “We’ve always had a good relationship with each other, pushing each other to be better, and I’m really fortunate to have him there (Rice) with me next year. Already having someone I know as well I know him there is just a plus for my future college experience.”
Now that the two have sealed the deal on their collegiate aspirations, what’s next?
“It’s a big relief, now that I’ve signed,” said Castañeda. “I don’t have to worry about trying to get into college and whether or not I’ll get to play ball when I’m there. Now, I can just go out there and have fun once the season starts. I’m still going to work hard, of course, so I can contribute to the team and be ready for my freshman year at Rice when all is said and done.”
“The mindset now is that the work has just started,” Mader-Cooper said. “Going to play D1 baseball is a much bigger challenge, so the end goal right now is to get better every day. There are things that I need to work on, and so does everybody else – small goals at a time. Rice will take care of itself, but for now we’re looking to make it back to State.”
Great minds do think alike.
Rice will be calling in the upcoming Spring, but Mader-Cooper and Castañeda still have a job to do when they take to the diamond for Pearland one last time.
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Drew Devillier commits to Rice as a dual-sport athlete
One of the heartbeats of a football program is a talented quarterback who plays hard, focuses on building his football IQ, and continues to learn the game. Colleges across the nation often look for resilient quarterbacks who are willing to go the distance for their program. At Plano East, Drew Devillier is just that. VYPE DFW recently caught up with Devillier following his announcement to commit to Rice University as a dual-sport athlete in both football and baseball.
Committed!! I want to thank God, my family, and my coaches for helping me get here! Go Owls!! @RiceFootball @RiceBaseball @mbloom11 @therealTUI @PlanoEastFB @peshbaseball pic.twitter.com/QfSDCiHqVE
— Drew Devillier (@DevillierDrew) June 19, 2023
Talented in the pocket for Plano East, Devillier was awarded First Team All-District for 6-6A after recording 2,271 yards and 20 touchdowns during his senior season. Doubling as a right-handed pitcher for Plano East baseball, Devillier continues to be an athletic standout to the universities watching his high school success which is why it comes as no surprise that Rice University extended a dual-sport athlete offer to this young man. Check out VYPE DFW's exclusive interview with Devillier now:
The decision to leave home is not always an easy one. What impacted your decision when choosing to commit to Rice?
"Rice is only about four hours from home, so it is possible to have family and friends come to my games. The opportunity to play both football and baseball was too intriguing to pass up. And the coaching staff and facilities for both programs are impressive."
What has been your favorite memory playing with Plano East so far?
"Our start to my junior football season last year was exciting. We had to come back from behind in all three games and started 3-0."
What professional athlete do you look up to-- why?
"I grew up a Drew Brees fan because our family is big New Orleans Saints fans. Now I'm a Joe Burrow fan from his days at LSU and as a pro. He's got the game to back up his swagger."
What has been your biggest accomplishment during your high school season so far?
"Winning First Team All-District last year was great because it showed that other coaches we played against liked the way that I played."
Do you have a gameday routine that you stick to?
"On game day, I like to stay loose so I don't really have a strict routine now. I do like to take a lap around the field before the game to warm up."
What do you do in the offseason to ensure that your skills are sharp for the season ahead?
"I train with QB Country and Landry Klann in Plano. He likes to have us bring our receivers to get extra reps with them. I also like to work on the side with receivers on the weekends and at 7v7 games."
What is your mindset going into each new season?
"Every year is a new year with a new team and new opportunities. I just try to stay focused on the job ahead of me and help my team get to the playoffs. My competitive nature keeps me working hard. That's no secret, it's just something I need to be successful."
In your opinion, what has been the secret to your team's success?
"Coach Benedetto and his staff have been instrumental in creating a new culture of high expectations at Plano East. It showed early last year, but injuries and a very tough district were challenging for us. This year, we are all learning from last year so we can take the next step as a team."