March 6, 2025

Chapel Hill Anticipates Thrilling 2025 Baseball Season

News Summary

As autumn descends on North Carolina, the Tar Heels are gearing up for an exciting 2025 baseball season. Following a remarkable run to the College World Series in 2024, head coach Scott Forbes leads a strong returning roster alongside new talent. With a mix of seasoned players and promising newcomers, the team aims to create a lasting impact and advance to Omaha once again. With high expectations from fans and the community, the Tar Heels are ready to prove their mettle in college baseball.

Chapel Hill Buzzes with Excitement for 2025 Season

As the leaves start to change and the crisp autumn air fills the North Carolina sky, all eyes are on the Tar Heels. After an exhilarating run to the College World Series in 2024, the anticipation for the 2025 season is palpable. Coach Scott Forbes enters his fifth year, and he’s ready to make waves again with a strong roster aiming for back-to-back appearances in Omaha—a feat not accomplished since 2006-2009.

2024 Recap: A Season to Remember

During that remarkable 2024 season, the Tar Heels proved to be nothing short of a powerhouse. They boasted a pitching staff that led the ACC in earned run average (ERA) and a lineup that ranked third in scoring, trailing only Florida State and Virginia. With their balanced attack and formidable defense, they became a force to reckon with, and now they are poised to build on that success.

Key Players Returning

The heart of the Tar Heels’ lineup remains intact, featuring several key players eager to leave their mark this season. Catcher Luke Stevenson, holding a promising record from last year, will return to lead from behind the plate. Alongside him, First baseman Hunter Stokely, Second baseman Jackson Van De Brake, Third baseman Gavin Gallaher, and Shortstop Alex Madera will shore up the infield, creating a solid foundation. Stevenson himself had an impressive 2024, batting .284 with 14 home runs and 58 RBIs, making him a hot commodity for scouts and a key leader moving forward.

Welcome New Faces

As if that weren’t enough, the coaching staff has also brought in some exciting new talent. Among the fresh faces are Outfielder Rom Kellis from Florence-Darlington Tech, Outfielder Kane Kepley from Liberty, Outfielder Tyson Bass from Wisconsin-Whitewater, and Designated hitter/infielder Sam Angelo from Montclair State. Each of these newcomers is ready to hit the ground running; they each finished 2024 with over 10 home runs and a batting average of at least .280 at their previous schools, making them integral to a well-rounded roster.

Pitfalls and Progress: Learning from Losses

Center fielder Vance Honeycutt, who famously belted 26 home runs in 2024. His absence leaves a substantial hole in the lineup that will need to be filled creatively. Long-time favorites like Left fielder Casey Cook, Right fielder Anthony Donofrio, and Starting pitcher Shea Sprague are also moving on, forcing the team to step up their game. Nevertheless, Coach Forbes has expressed confidence in his squad, believing the deep pitching staff, which includes returning talents like Right-handers Jason DeCaro, Aidan Haugh, Matthew Matthijs, Olin Johnson, Jake Knapp, and Left-handers Folger Boaz and Kyle Percival, can compensate for the lost inning production.

Looking Ahead to Omaha

As the Tar Heels gear up for the 2025 season, it’s clear that the expectations are sky-high. The players are driven by the ambition of returning to Omaha and building on the foundations laid last season. With a mix of seasoned leaders and hungry newcomers, the excitement brewing in Chapel Hill is contagious. Fans have a lot to look forward to, as this team aims to prove that they are not just a one-hit wonder but a consistent contender in college baseball.

So grab your gear, wear your colors proudly, and get ready! The Tar Heels are set to make waves in the upcoming season, and it promises to be an unforgettable journey.

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Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER

FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.

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