Baseball’s Grady Openden Commits to Pitch for the Arizona Wildcats

Baseball’s Grady Openden Commits to Pitch for the Arizona Wildcats

Baseball’s Grady Openden has committed to attend and play for the University of Arizona. 

“I'm just excited about being on campus, getting started next summer, and getting to develop into a much better baseball player, as well as getting stronger, throwing harder, and meeting my new best friends,” said Openden.

Openden will play for Head Coach Chip Hale and the Wildcats. The team plays in the Big 12 Conference. Hale, the 2024 Pac-12 Coach of the Year, has found tremendous success in Tucson. As a proud alumnus, he has led the program to four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, the 2025 Men's College World Series, the 2025 Big 12 Championship title, the 2024 Pac-12 regular season and tournament championships, and over 150 wins. 

“Coach Hale was amazing,” said Openden. “He had me out on a visit. He was really supportive and hospitable. And you couldn't have asked for more from him. The pitching coach is really good at their job. It's just a great environment and good culture on that team.”

Openden will join former Broncos Jack Lafflam ‘25 and Benton Hickman ‘25 on the Arizona staff. Head Coach Josh Garcia played and coached at Arizona.

“I think it was all about what fit me best, and it just happens to be really cool that my current coach went there, and I have some old teammates that are there right now,” said Openden. 

“It's been my lifelong dream since I was little. I've always looked at it as something I wanted to do,” said Openden about playing in college. “I didn't know if I'd ever get there, and then when it became reality, it was just so cool. It is everything I could have ever dreamed of.”

Openden earned AIA 6A Conference and Arizona Baseball Coaches Association all-state second-team honors after his junior season. He tied for the team lead in wins with five and recorded the team-best 42 strikeouts over nine starts. He posted a 2.22 ERA in the regular season. 

“Grady has been a contributor to our varsity pitching staff since his sophomore year, gaining valuable experience competing at a high level early in his high school career,” said Head Coach Josh Garcia. “He has given us a great option on the mound and has had opportunities to contribute in important situations throughout his time in our program. His experience against quality competition has helped prepare him for the challenges of college baseball. We're excited to see him continue his development and take the next step in his career at the University of Arizona.”

Openden will be part of a talented Brophy team in the spring, looking to finish his career on a high note.

“It's been everything,” said Openden of his Brophy experience. “I can't imagine myself anywhere else. I think that Brophy is the place to be if you want to go play D1. I have developed all four years. It's been a great experience, and I'm so grateful for everything I've experienced. I want to continue my success. The team is really bought in this year. I think we're going to have a really good team and hoping to win a lot of games.”

He built on his prep success playing last summer with Canes West in big club tournaments in Georgia and Florida. 

“I have improved with the mental side of it, being prepared for every game, knowing that I can beat anybody on any given day,” said Openden. “I know I have great teammates behind me and the defense that's gonna make every play.”

Openden will participate in the Brophy Collegiate Commitment Ceremony on Nov. 11.