New London’s Schulte heading to University of Iowa

NEW LONDON — For former New London standout Kooper Schulte, it was always a dream to play for the University of Iowa.

That dream is now a reality as Schulte announced on his personal Twitter that he will play for Hawkeyes.

It’s a surreal accomplishment.

“Playing for Iowa as always been my goal,” Schulte said. “I got the opportunity to go there and just chose to do it. Being away from home for two years is tough too. Iowa is really successful right now and it’s a program going in the right direction.”

Schulte, who won the 2021-22 Class 1A state championship with the Tigers is entering his sophomore season with Central Arizona College.

In his first season for the Vaqueros, Schulte played in 33 games, while batting .242 with 22 runs, 13 RBIs, one home run and eight stolen bases.

“There’s really good competition down here (Central Arizona),” he said. “Playing with all these guys that are top notch and facing them everyday makes someone better. It makes you want to be better too.”

“Coming down here was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made in my life.”

Baseball didn’t end after his first collegiate season.

Schulte came back home this summer and played a 19 game stint with the Burlington Bees, before a broken hand put him out of commission.

He was pretty efficient in those 19 to say the least, batting .373 with 10 RBIs.

“It was a really cool experience,” Schulte said. “I was really looking forward to it and I was off to a decent start I’d say and everything happens for a reason I think. I got to play with some really good guys from all over the US. It was a good experience.”

When he puts on the Iowa uniform he will be the second Schulte in the black and gold.

His father Justin was a pitcher at the University of Iowa in 1994 and 1995.

“It’s pretty cool getting to play at the same school as my dad,” Schulte said. “He just told me whatever decision I made would be the best for me.”