The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1545830
JULY/AUGUST 2026 ■ 39 recruit. That was the theme in college baseball. I don't think anybody would have made that move at that time, and he did. It was probably a stupid move, to be honest with you, but it turned out pretty good for our program in the long run." Hart not only shined in the role, he became Avent's right-hand man. Tak- ing on more responsibilities as the years went on, he served as the program's lead recruiter, then started pacing the devel- opment plans for the roster and manned third base to run the team's offense. In turn, NC State found immense success with Hart serving alongside his mentor. The two teamed up to produce an 804-465 record with 18 NCAA Tour- nament bids, five Super Regional ap- pearances and three trips to the Men's College World Series. And now it's Hart's turn to guide the program. On May 21, NC State an- nounced that Avent would be stepping down as head coach at the conclusion of the 2026 season. The following day, Hart was named his successor. To those within the Wolfpack pro- gram, it was an obvious choice. Players raved about him after his hire was an- nounced in the locker room following a Friday practice. Sophomore outfielder Ty Head described him as "the perfect fit." Junior second basemen Luke Nixon said he'll "do whatever it takes" to win. Former players chimed in, too. "I know how much work he's put in, and I feel like Avent had a really good right-hand man," said Brandon But- terworth, a shortstop at NC State from 2022-24. "I feel like it was the easiest choice to make. It was right in front of them this whole time." An Elite Recruiter One of the traits that made Hart, 46, the right choice to lead NC State's baseball program was his skill as a re- cruiter, both of high school prospects and transfers. Chris McHugh experienced Hart's powers of persuasion firsthand. McHugh had entered the portal after a coaching change at Virginia Commonwealth fol- lowing his freshman season. The coveted first baseman wasn't planning to pick NC State; he had another power-con- ference opportunity lined up. But then he received a midnight call from Hart. By the time he put down his phone, he had changed his mind. "He knows how to persuade, I'll tell you that," said McHugh, who just com- pleted his junior season with the Pack. "I didn't think it was going to be possible for me not to take the other spot, but he flipped me. I think he could do that to just about anyone." Hart, who became NC State's lead re- cruiter in 2010, is among the nation's best in acquiring talent. His first class in- cluded a pair of future major league stars in left-handed pitcher Carlos Rodón and shortstop Trea Turner. In the years since, Hart has pulled tal- ent from all over the country. In-state recruiting is a strong point for him, but he's also waltzed into Florida to attract elite high school prospects like Turner, now a star with the Philadelphia Phillies, and Head, who turned down the MLB draft to play for the Wolfpack. "I think it's just the confidence in his voice," Head said. "If he really wants you, he'll get you — no matter what. What- ever it takes." It's unique for an assistant to have the reins in the recruiting process, but Hart proved he could handle himself. He's maintained the same mindset on the re- cruiting trail, finding ways to beat out head coaches elsewhere for talent. "I think that he's very approachable, and sometimes that's hard to get," said " I know how much work he's put in, and I feel like [Elliott] Avent had a really good right-hand man. I feel like it was the easiest choice to make. It was right in front of them this whole time." Former NC State shortstop Brandon Butterworth on Hart