Amya Zapien is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Corona Del Sol High School for AZPreps365.com.

From a young age, local Phoenician Cooper Clouser dreamed of wearing maroon and gold.

Growing up in Arizona, he often heard stories of his late grandfather, Scott Reid, and his time at Arizona State University. Now a Corona del Sol High School senior, Clouser is set to carry on the family legacy, committed to ASU and ready to embrace the challenges of upholding a tradition.

Scott Reid played for the Philadelphia Phillies for two seasons. (Photo from the Clouser Family)

 

Reid was a standout player for the Sun Devils and left an indelible mark on the program. In 1967, he helped ASU win the College World Series and was later honored for his achievements, solidifying his status as a program legend. His legacy still resonates with Clouser today.

“His grandfather was a huge influence, and I would take him to Arizona State games when I was scouting,” said Clouser’s father, Kevin. “That’s always been where he wanted to go.”

But the journey to Tempe wasn’t simple. The recruiting process was full of ups and downs. At one point, ASU showed interest without extending an offer, prompting the Clousers to explore other schools. It wasn’t until head coach Willie Bloomquist called during their visit to UC Santa Barbara that ASU made its move.

“He was dead set where he wanted to go,” Kevin said.

“He didn’t care how much the offer was or who they had behind the plate. He was determined. That’s where he was gonna go, and he made it happen.”

With his college commitment in place, Clouser now faces another major decision this summer—whether to attend ASU or sign with a professional team if he’s drafted.

“Yeah, it’s absolutely possible,” Clouser said.

“Me and my advisors have talked it over. Obviously, I want to go to college—that’s the route I’ve wanted to take. But some things are just,  too hard to turn down.”

The choice between college baseball and the MLB Draft is never easy, especially for a high school player. Kevin, who has experience in professional baseball, knows what’s at stake.

“It’s a tough road. I coached in the rookie leagues for three seasons, and it’s brutal,” he said.

“You only get one shot at pro ball, and you want to make sure you're ready. If somebody’s gonna throw seven figures at him, I think he should seriously consider that.”

Clouser is making a strong case for himself on the field. As a junior last season, he slashed a .342 batting average, .425 on-base percentage, and .856 OPS—numbers that drew attention from scouts and coaches alike. Now in his senior season, he continues to build on that momentum as eyes remain on his draft stock.

“I always just think about the end goal and where I want to be and what I would consider a success,” Clouser said.

“Everyone wants to play in the big leagues, and I think I’ve got a good opportunity in front of me. If I keep working, I can make that a reality.”

Stan Luketich, a coach at Corona Del Sol, believes college ball offers more than just athletic opportunity and has seen players find a way to decide in a siutation like this.

“College baseball teaches young people so many things—responsibility, time management, getting a degree,” Luketich said.

“All those things are really important because someday, everybody stops playing baseball, and they’re gonna need to fall back on that degree.”