Boulware, Boleman Bring Pride & Recognition To SC As Highly Regarded National Level Athletes
Southside Chrisitan LHP Carson Boleman (6-4, 210) who's fastball has been clocked at 95mph.
By Billy G. Baker
Publisher
Moncks Corner---Never in the 40 years that the “High School Sports Report” has existed in the Palmetto State, focused on covering prep sports across the state, have we seen the sports of baseball and softball been honored to have the best senior baseball player ever and best senior softball player ever in the same senior class in the same year!
Before we move on with this rare recruiting insight article, saluting two outstanding senior athletes in Carson Boleman, an early first round projection in baseball from Southside Christian and Aspen Boulware, a Gray Collegiate shortstop, ranked among the top seven players in the 2026 class nationally, we would like to once again thank Mark Grainger and the fine folks at Modern Turf from Irmo and Rembert for their sponsorship of this recruiting feature each month.
We will first take a deep dive into the prep softball career of Boulware, who has signed to play at South Carolina, after receiving more than 50 offers to play college softball. In the end, Boulware chose the Gamecocks over Oklahoma and Florida State, among others. This rare situation of having perhaps the best baseball player, and the best softball player in the same graduating in South Carolina came about when Boulware reclassified to the senior class earlier this year.
Boulware earned Gatorade Player of the Year honors in South Carolina as a sophomore last season at Gray Collegiate, when she led her team to a state title after batting .545 with 19 RBI’s and six home runs. In her prep career, she has a career batting average of .581 with 145 RBI’s and 58 home runs. She has also stolen 111 bases over the past five seasons.
On the U-18 National team last summer, Boulware batted .588 and she helped her team win a Gold Medal World Cup championship. She scored the most runs of any player in that event. Before she reclassified, Boulware was rated as the number one player in the 2027 Class in the nation.
Boulware is the daughter of former NFL and FSU football player Michael Boulware and Jessica Vanderlinden Boulware, who was a former National Softball Player of the Year at Florida State where she was an outstanding pitcher, hitter, and outfielder over the 2001 to 2004 period.
She is also the granddaughter to Dr. Jim and Melva Boulware who rarely miss one of her games.
To say that Aspen the daughter, and Jessica, the proud mother are close would be the understatement of the century. This is how Gray Collegiate head softball coach Doug Frye describes their relationship.
“So many times we would finish up with a two-hour practice at Gray Collegiate, and then Aspen and Jessica would leave my practice and go over to Reco Field, where we use to practice and play as a team, for Aspen’s second practice,” said Coach Frye. “Jessica would hit her daughter ground balls, and they would practice base running, and she would pitch to Aspen at top speed. In all my years of coaching I have never seen a player want it more, and she has worked hard and she earned everything that has come her way in softball.”
Coach Frye said he knew Boulware was a special athlete from her very first game with the Gray Collegiate varsity in the 8th grade. “Aspen is on first base and our next batter hits a bloop single over the first baseman’s head that the outfielder fielded cleanly,” said Coach Frye. “The next thing I know Aspen is sliding into home and there was not even time for the other team to throw to the plate. I had never seen a softball player run so fast and I was shocked with her speed on the base paths.”
Coach Frye says her defense is just as impressive. “We are playing against Dutch Fork Aspen’s freshman season, and a lined drive is hit in the air between second and third and I just knew it was going to score a run,” said Coach Frye. “Aspen jumps three feet in the air, catches the ball, and before her feet hits the ground, she tosses the ball to second for a double play.
“Then we are playing at a tournament hosted by Byrnes High early this season and a ball is ripped between second and third,” said Coach Frye. “Aspen dives to the ground, catches the ball, and while on her knees she makes a bullet throw against a fast runner to get the player out by two steps.”
Coach Frye agrees with his star player reclassifying up one grade to graduate this year. “It was time for her to take her talent and skills to the next level,” said Coach Frye. “As far as I am concerned, she could be playing in college right now. We will miss her, but she will do just awesome.”
Coach Frye said that while Boulware can play shortstop, or in the outfield, he is convinced that shortstop is her rightful position. “Aspen’s range at shortstop is off the chart,” said Coach Frye. “She can get to ground balls most shortstops can not get to. She has great hands, quick feet, and a strong arm to first base.”
Boulware joined the Generation Seahawks travel team as a 12-year-old after playing softball at the rec level “for as long as I can remember.” She started out as a pitcher and catcher before evolving into a shortstop later.
“I would say having a mother who was such a great player in college to help me learn the fundamentals at an early age gave me advantages and I am very thankful for her support and help,” said Boulware. “We are both competitive people and sometimes even our private practices turn into a competition. I have always looked up to my Mom.”
Boulware recalled at one Reco Field practice a few years ago her mother placed a friendly bet with her that she could pitch an entire bucket of balls at full speed without her knocking one over the fence. “I fouled off the first two pitches,” said Boulware. “Then I got a good level swing a few pitches later and the ball went out the park. As my memory serves me, we were pretty much done with that competition.”
How complicated did Boulware’s recruiting get before he opted to stay home and sign with South Carolina? “Well, FSU was my last official visit, and my parents went to the FSU football game versus Miami,” said Boulware. “Honestly, it was a great visit and the whole atmosphere of the game, and all the friends my parents were talking to at the game kind of let me know where their hearts were.
“They told it is was my decision and that they would support me 100 per cent whatever I decided to do,” said Boulware. “I just fell in love with the coachers at South Carolina, especially head coach Ashley Chastain Woodard.
“I like the fact USC is in the SEC, I can get early playing time, and my family can come to my home games without a lot of travel,” said Boulware. “I do not care what position I play. I will play wherever the coaches need me. My goal is to help elevate the program to competing for SEC championships and beyond.”
Boulware’s ultimate goal in softball is to earn a spot on the 2028 USA Olympic team and her play on feeder teams has shot her name to the top of the list. “It would be a dream come true to make the 2028 Olympic team,” she said. “What an honor it would be to represent my county on the world stage. I get pumped just thinking about it.”
Boulware will be reporting to the national U-18 team training site in Oklahoma in June. After a brief training period she and the team will head to Mexico for competition this summer.
Boulware said that she is touched, and humbled, when little girls ask her for her autograph after her games. “One time, this one little girl said she needed to talk to me because she was writing a book report on me for a school assignment,” said Boulware. “That touched me deeply. I always take time for the fan base I am thankful to have.”
Boulware has only one main goal as a high school player. “I really love my teammates on the Gray Collegiate team and we are very close, like sisters really,” said Boulware. “We are all focused on defending out state title and we all want to go out winners in that final game of the season.”
Gray Collegiate is currently 18-0 and ranked number one by the HSSR in the latest SCHSL AAAA ranking. The team has beat 8 of their opponents this season by 10 runs or more. They are heavy favorites to defend their title for sure.
On her decision to reclassify, and graduate a year early, Boulware said, “I am truly thankful that the school administration at Gray approved me to reclassify, and that was the first step,” said Boulware. “I really couldn’t see how staying one more year in high school would have helped me aspire to my life-long dream of playing on the 2028 Olympic team. My family helped me with the decision.”
Why does Boulware love the sport of softball so much? “God gave me the gift to play the sport, and it is my goal to honor his grace with my play on the field,” said Boulware. “I am thankful for the talent He gave me. I will always do my very best to honor his blessings.”
And now an inside look at “Boley” Boleman:
After Southside Chrisitan LHP Carson Boleman (6-4, 210) dominated play for Team USA last summer, he quickly became referenced as the top pitcher, high school, or college, available for the upcoming major leaguer draft this summer. In most mock drafts he is shown being selected by the Royals at the number six pick. The Royals have slot money available of $7,327.200 for this pick. (Wow!)
To have a conversation with Boleman is like talking to a 40-year-old person. He is mature beyond his age, and he told the HSSR on April 12 that he has already had direct conversations with five General Managers. From the perspective of this writer, Boleman could become a top three draft pick as he helps lead his high school team to their 5th straight baseball title in just over a month from now.
“I love to pitch and I love the game of baseball with all my heart,” said Boleman in a recent conversation. “I grew up with a brother (Tyler) one year older, and he was my catcher for the past four years of high school. We have a special relationship.
“He and I grew up long tossing all the time in the back yard,” said Boleman. “We had so much fun playing baseball together.”
Boleman began playing baseball when he was around five years old. His father “Britt” coached him through his middle school years at the rec level. Coleman played on the Southside Christian junior varsity as a 7th grader. He made the varsity baseball team under head coach Scott Freeman as an 8th grader.
“The process of developing as a pitcher takes a lot of work,” said Boleman. “My goal has always been to be a pitch-master, and you have to keep working at it. I am not one of those guys who can just show up and go out on the mound and make things look easy.
“I have to constantly work on my mechanics, and my focus and pitching is as much mental as it is physical,” said Boleman. “I never take baseball for granted. Baseball is my focus and I have so much respect for this sport.
“I consider myself a grinder,” he said. “I truly like grinding and never being satisfied with so much to improve on. I feel like by working hard all the time, by being a grinder, you end up getting your just reward most all the time.
Boleman was asked what pitch he might throw to strike me out with the count 3-2 and the bases loaded. “Are you left- handed or right- handed,” he asked. With a “right-handed” response he has a rapid- fire response.
“Well, you are getting an inside slider, coming in against your wrists, and breaking towards your back foot,” said Boleman. (Just the thought of facing him in the batter’s box brought chills to my reaction process.)
Boleman said perfecting all the mechanics of mastering the circle change delivery was his most challenging pitch to learn. “I take off 8 weeks in-between the fall and spring baseball seasons, to rest my body, and it takes me a little while longer to get my circle change back the way I like to throw it,” said Boleman. “I feel like my curve ball and slider are my bread-and-butter pitches.”
Boleman has total command of four pitches, and his fastball was clocked at 95 mph during his stellar performance as a member of Team USA last summer when he went 2-0 with an ERA of 0.00 with 17 strikeouts and just two walks in his two-game outing.
Boleman pitched the first five innings of a combined no-hitter against Chinese-Taipei on September, 6 of last year. He had 11 strikeouts in the game as the U.S. tossed their first no-hitter in World Cup competition in 30 years.
Boleman is committed to playing college baseball at Wake Forest but with his first-round draft status a foregone conclusion, which is not likely to happen. “I love the coaches at Wake Forest, and it is an excellent college baseball program.,” said Boleman.
Thus far, during his senior season at Southside Christian, Boleman has only pitched 10 innings. His arm is just fine, but he is saving himself for the playoffs where he will pitch as often as he is available. He is currently 1-0 with 21 strikeouts and an ERA of 0.118.
He has started at first base this season where he is batting .423 with 8 RBI’s.
“I have been working hard at getting into a pitching rhythm and I am very excited about pitching more in the upcoming playoffs,” said Boleman. “Helping my team win a 5th straight state title is my total focus right now and it would be a great way for myself and my four senior teammates to finish our high school careers.”
At several games this season, Boleman has played before 40 major league scouts watching his every move. “I am humbled by the attention, but I would play the same with maximum effort and focus if there were no scouts at my games. My job is to be a good teammate and help my team win games.”
Off the field, Boleman is an avid golfer, and he carries around a four handicap. He also enjoys playing pickle ball. If he were going to college, he said he would major in business or finance. “I also love Math and I have always been good with numbers,” he said.
However, at his core, he is a devoted Christian with a love for Jesus Christ. He and his family (mother is Brittany) are very active at their local church, and Boleman is also involved in charity work. “Lord willing, it would be a blessing to be able to play professional baseball one day,” he said. “I am a huge Braves fan, and it would be great to play for them.”
Boleman has been a huge fan of former Dodger LHP Clayton Kershaw who retired last year with 222 wins over 18 seasons, all with the Dodgers. “Clayton Kershaw is the player I look up to because he does things the right way on and off the field,” said Boleman. “I hope to become the great example that he has been to the sport, and to also help others through charity work like he has.”
Boleman’s high school coach is Scott Freeman, a 15-year coaching veteran who has won five titles and shares some thoughts on his star player. “Carson focuses on the details, and he never veers off his routine,” said Coach Freeman. “He strives to share the attention brought on himself with his teammates and that is a rare trait.
“I have help coached him in baseball since the 7th grade, and he is a rare and very special athlete, but he is just as special a person off the field,” said Coach Freeman. “It will not shock me if he ends up being the number one player selected in the draft.
“He is the ultimate definition of leadership on a baseball field,” said Coach Freeman. “He is very unselfish and he works hard to make the players around him better. There is no doubt in my mind that he is working hard to get ready for the playoffs.
“He is going to be the best version of himself ever in the playoffs,” said Coach Freeman. I feel blessed to have the opportunity to coach him.”
Boleman, whose nick name is “Boley,” has a high bar goal in the sport of baseball. “I want to be a leader for a world series franchise team,” concluded Boleman. “That would be a dream come true.”
