Chris Hart, a 46‑year‑old who has spent 22 years within the NC State athletic family, was announced as the program’s next head baseball coach, succeeding Elliott Avent, who retired after a 30‑year tenure that produced more than 1,100 wins and multiple College World Series appearances.
A Legacy Reimagined
Hart’s long‑standing involvement began as a player and assistant before he climbed to coordinator, where he helped shape rosters that reached three College World Series in the past 13 years and consistently placed freshman classes inside the Top 25 rankings by D1Baseball.
His reputation rests on an uncanny ability to spot and develop talent, whether through high‑school recruiting or the transfer portal, a skill that has earned him commendation from former Wolfpack catcher Patrick Bailey, now a key figure with the Cleveland Guardians.
The transition from Avent to Hart marks the end of an era defined by sustained excellence, yet university officials say the new leadership brings a fresh vision grounded in the same commitment to competitiveness and player growth.
As the Wolfpack prepares for the upcoming season, the athletic department, led by director Boo Corrigan and supported by longtime administrator Ray Tanner, looks to Hart’s adaptive approach to navigate the evolving landscape of college baseball while honoring the program’s storied past.