Sitting in the visitors dugout at rival North Carolina State University, senior Zack Gahagan took a moment to look out on the field after what was the final ACC series game he would play in for his career. His team had just upset the second ranked Wolfpack to complete a three-game sweep on the road. The first time in Chapel Hill baseball history. 

“You felt the excitement in the dugout after that series,” Gahagan said. “I sat there looking out onto the field and just wanted to let the moment set in, and took me a minute to get up again.”

Gahagan began playing baseball at a young age, all the way into high school when he transferred from Buncombe County to North Henderson High School. There he was a three sports athlete playing football and basketball along with baseball. He never thought about playing college baseball until he was recruited his sophomore year. 

He credits his coach Justin King with taking him in and mentoring him during his adjustment period of transitioning schools. 

“We bonded as soon as I stepped on campus,” Gahagan said. “My experience at North Henderson was interesting because I was new, and I had new friends and no one knew who I was. That was difficult. But they took me in, and once I became acclimated, I enjoyed it and learned a lot.”

The second baseman worked hard during his time with the Knights, finishing his career with a .401 batting average along with 65 hits and 32 RBIs in 50 games played. His career was cut short though by an ACL tear his senior season during football practice. 

Despite the ACL tear and missing the entirety of his senior year, Gahagan still impressed MLB scouts and was picked in the 40th round by the Arizona Diamondbacks. Gahagan turned down the opportunity though to attend his dream school, UNC and dawn the Carolina blue. When Gahagan met with coach Mike Fox and was offered a scholarship, he knew it was the perfect fit.

“As a kid I always grew up jumping up and down watching Carolina basketball,” Gahagan said. “As far as baseball, I never really watched them much. But as soon as I sat down with Coach Fox and his staff and they offered me, my heart stopped and I didn’t know what to think. It was was an unbelievable opportunity to come to my  dream school and I couldn’t turn that down.”

Gahagan had a big transition to the college baseball level, and worked at finding his role on the team. His hard work paid off as he began to hit in the fourth spot for the team, finishing with a .214 average and 32 RBIs. Each season, Gahagan saw his production increase each season and drew inspiration from teammates like Logan Warmoth, the 22nd overall pick by the Blue Jays last season and roommate. 

“Logan was someone who not only got better everyday, but also someone who made me better every time we stepped on the field together,” Gahagan said. 

Coming into his junior year, Gahagan had his plans set on a big season and hopefully being drafted to the MLB once again. However, before the season he was diagnosed with blood clots in his shoulder and had to play the season with difficulty. He finished the season with a .243 average along with seven home runs and and 42 RBIs, in a season which the Tar Heels finsihed highly ranked before an early exit in the tournament. After the season, Gahagan was drafted in the 39th round by the Cincinnati Reds.

The late selection though made Gahagan reconsider his original plans, which he eventually decided on returning to school. 

“I knew it wasn’t the right move,” Gahagan said. “I wanted to come back and make a run like we did last year, and keep going. I want to take this team to a super regional like I know we can do, and go to Omaha. That’s been my dream since I was a kid, and I have one more chance.”

As a senior Gahagan has filled in as the team’s veteran leader, guiding many of the newcomers. He has batted .252 with 31 RBIs and 29 runs on the season, filling in at many positions. Although his sights are set on Omaha, he still holds out hope for his dream of playing in the MLB. 

“To step on a major league field would be the most amazing feeling to me and it would be a special moment,” Gahagan said. “It would make my parents proud. To see them smile and that whole ordeal would set it in the most because they have been my biggest supporters, and that would top it off for them.”

It is still important for Gahagan to come back to his roots in Henderson County to see old faces and volunteer in his community. He enjoys giving lessons and advice to aspiring baseball players to build the future. The support of the community has always had a big impact on his life. 

“I have always had good support from people in my career, and it comes from the people you meet,” Gahagan said. “You come home and everyone is asking you how you are doing, and you can tell they are keeping up which is a great feeling. But the thing I enjoy most is giving back to the community.” 

As the final moments of his career set in, and he leaves the NC State field for the last time, Gahgan can’t help but look back on how look the opportunity and know he did everything possible during his time. Despite the baseball accomplishments, Gahagan is more proud of his work in the classroom and will graduate this year with a degree in administration, a goal he set early for himself. 

“The most important thing to me is that I’m going to get my degree,” Gahagan said. “That’s something I promised my parents. Being on the field for four years is always an accomplishment. But I think the most important part is this degree, and the most relieving feeling will be walking down that stage to get my diploma.”