University of North Carolina Athletics
Freshman Profile: Zac Gallen
September 12, 2013 | Baseball
A freshman right-hander from Gibbsboro, N.J., Zac Gallen has impressed in his first two outings of the fall, posting a 1.59 ERA in 5.2 innings with seven strikeouts. For Gallen, however, the chance to get an early start on his Carolina career in summer school was a key factor.
"That was enormous," Gallen said of coming to campus early. "I was actually doubting if I was going to come or not. I didn't know what was going to happen, but I'm glad I came. It was definitely a big, big help because I took two classes and was able to get in the weight room. Once I got here (for the fall) I knew everything, so it was good."
A lifelong Carolina fan who describes himself as the "biggest Michael Jordan fan ever", Gallen's choice to continue his career in Chapel Hill was a natural one. "The academics at the school, obviously. And then all the great things I've heard about Coach Forbes, Coach Fox. I've known Coach Jackson since I was 12. It was just like I've had a good rapport with them. And just the success of the program speaks for itself."
Gallen pointed to the structure of the Carolna program as the biggest adjustment from high school baseball. "There's a lot of planning and a lot of everybody knows where they're going. Plus, everyone is bigger, faster, stronger like they say."
For now, though, the young righty is just hoping to make the most of his opportunity to compete for innings this fall. "I'm always trying to get better every day. That's my main goal here - to help the team win, do whatever I can."
