COOPER FORREST
Hometown: Roslyn, NY
School: University of Texas at Austin
Positions: Shortstop, Second Base
For Cooper Forrest, baseball has been part of his life since he was four years old. A graduate of Roslyn High School and now a student at the University of Texas at Austin, Cooper has spent years developing his game while learning that baseball can be about much more than what happens on the field. His 2026 JCC Maccabi experience gave him the opportunity to compete for a championship while proudly representing his community and Jewish identity.
Cooper’s favorite Maccabi memory came from being part of something special—the three-peat. “Winning gold for the 3 peat” was the highlight of his experience, as the Long Island delegation captured its third consecutive gold medal. For Cooper, being part of that championship tradition made his final Maccabi experience especially memorable.
Being part of Team Maccabi also showed Cooper the unique camaraderie that exists among Jewish athletes. “It impacted me by showing me the camaraderie Jewish athletes can have as well as being proud to be Jewish.” The relationships and shared experience made the week about more than baseball and helped Cooper appreciate the community surrounding the sport.
Representing his Jewish identity was equally meaningful. “It meant a lot to me to represent my community as a Jewish baseball player and made me even more passionate.” For Cooper, stepping onto the field wearing the Maccabi uniform was an opportunity to represent something larger than himself and proudly carry his community with him.
Cooper has been playing baseball since he was four years old and has played for Roslyn High School, Roslyn Travel, Long Island Elite, and Syosset Travel. His primary positions are shortstop and second base, putting him in the heart of the infield and right in the middle of the action. “I love those positions because they are in the middle of the infield and are involved in very pivotal plays.” He also embraces the leadership responsibilities that come with the positions, describing them as the “captains of the infield” and an opportunity to lead.
His biggest influence throughout his baseball career has been his dad, who has supported him throughout his journey and helped shape him into the player he has become.
Now that Cooper has moved on to college, his baseball goal is simple: play as much baseball as he can. After years of competing at the high school and travel levels, he is excited to continue playing the game while beginning the next chapter of his life at the University of Texas at Austin.
Academically and professionally, Cooper wants to be as successful as possible in college and use that experience to set himself up for a successful career. He understands that his college years are about building both his future and the foundation for whatever comes next.
Cooper's favorite MLB players are Aaron Judge and Buster Posey, two players known for their leadership, consistency, and impact on their teams. Cooper has already enjoyed some individual success of his own, earning All-League honors in both the 2025 and 2026 high school baseball seasons.
Cooper Forrest is more than a shortstop or second baseman. He is a leader, a Maccabi gold medal winner, and a proud Jewish baseball player who understands the importance of representing something bigger than himself. From starting baseball at age four to continuing his journey at the University of Texas at Austin, Cooper's story is one of hard work, leadership, family, and a passion for the game that continues to grow.
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