MISSISSAUGA, Ontario - Despite being just 15 years of age, a college commitment has been a long time coming for Will Hynes.

“At eight or nine I was watching all the college baseball highlights on my computer or on my phone,” reflected the top-ranked freshman in Ontario, who recently committed to Wake Forest. “I was going to do anything I could to make that happen. I knew that at a young age and I set goals for myself to achieve it.

“I have two younger brothers that both have natural talent and want to follow in my path. When I was younger I was never the top guy, but the hard work I put in and wanting to be the best guy set me up for this.”

A “crazy summer” as Hynes put it, led to a fall that ended in a decision to make the university in Winston-Salem, N.C. home in the future.

“I’m really happy with my decision and feel I never rushed it at all,” the Lorne Park Secondary High School 2026 explained. “The recruiting process was obviously different for me being from Canada. For my recruitment, it all started last winter when I put up really good numbers at a PBR showcase. From there I learned to use social media as a good platform for me. That’s what you have to do in Canada.

“Wake saw me in June and we continued to talk and I developed a good relationship with the pitching coach. They saw me again at the Future Games. That was an awesome experience and we continued to talk after that.”

Clemson, Duke and Notre Dame joined Wake Forest on the list of top four colleges being considered by Hynes.

“When I decided Wake was one of the top schools on my list I went to a prospect camp there in October and ended up throwing well,” the 13th-rated 2026 right-handed pitcher in North America explained. “When I got my offer it was two weeks before I committed, but that’s when I decided Wake is where I wanted to go. The relationship I built with all the coaches at Wake was not like any other. It just felt like home there.”

More stood out about the Atlantic Coast Conference school that attracted Hynes.

“The campus is amazing,” Hynes noted. “It’s a smaller campus which I like. North Carolina gets all four seasons like Canada and I like that. I think the development I can get on and off the field at Wake will be like no other. All the resources they have, whether it’s baseball or otherwise, is amazing.”

Wake Forest certainly was impressed with the 6-0 145-pound right-handed pitcher.

“They like my mechanics and my mindset on the mound,” Hynes said. “They told me they love my arm, my confidence and my attitude and the relationship we built. They could view me as a person that gets along with everyone on the field.”

The top-ranked 2026 in Ontario pointed to different teams he has played on with helping the cause in becoming the player he is today.

“I was with the Ontario Terriers for two years in grades eight and nine and they taught me a great work ethic,” Hynes related. “Recently I moved to the Ontario Blue Jays and I’ve made huge developments in a short time. I credit my fall success to them. I also played in the summer and fall with Canes National on the big stage. It’s like nothing else with so much talent and amazing guys.”

PBR also played a major role according to the 57th-rated freshman in North America.

“I went to a PBR showcase in February of last year and put up some amazing numbers and from there got an opportunity to play on the national 14U team,” Hynes said. “Being close to the Canadian guys and playing at the Future Games, I got another opportunity to throw in front of Wake and other coaches. Then I had an amazing fall. I love the PBR guys and I love talking to them.”

Improvement was also beneficial in reaching the dream of playing college baseball at a big-time school.

“Covid rules are stricter in Canada than in the United States, so I made my own setup in my basement with a home gym,” Hynes explained. “Every day after school I’d throw into a mattress. I set up a workout plan to achieve goals. As the offseason progressed with snow, I grabbed yellow baseballs and would do long toss in the snow, then go find them. I was looking for any way to get better. I’d throw at trees or in the garage or run in the street, any unique resource I could find.”

That kind of desire is just part of what Hynes believes he can provide at the next level.

“I’ve always been a leader, I have that mindset in each sport I play, be it baseball or this year as the high school quarterback in football,” Hynes said. “I think I can be an amazing teammate and an amazing leader. Being able to perform in the ACC is one of my biggest goals along with being a guy everyone can come to.”

A 3.9 student who lives a half hour outside of Toronto, Hynes admits being a college commit is an extraordinary feeling.

“It was pure happiness and joy,” Hynes said about making a commitment to Wake Forest. “I’m close to my family and relatives and they were so happy for me. My teammates and coaches were super proud of me. They all helped, especially my family. I’m happy I can make them proud of me.”

Plans are to major in business while making a name for himself on the ball diamond at Wake Forest.

“This is all the things I’ve dreamed of since I was eight or nine,” Hynes concluded. “Traveling to all these schools, pitching on different mounds and, hopefully, getting to pitch in Omaha. I’m just looking forward to the full college baseball experience, the campus life and the team camaraderie, too.”