Scott Forbes thanks North Carolina players for being 'awesome' in 2023 season

North Carolina baseball’s season is over. After being eliminated in the NCAA Regional, head coach Scott Forbes thanked his team for making the 2023 season awesome.

The Tar Heels were eliminated following a loss to Iowa. It was a close game and difficult loss, going down 6-5 to the Hawkeyes in 13 innings. Iowa would later be eliminated by Indiana State.

“On behalf of the coaching staff, I want to thank our team,” Scott Forbes said. “They really have been a phenomenal group.”

As Scot Forbes explained, winning a championship is the goal. However, there is more to being a team than that championship, like the journey to reach that point.

“And I talk to them all the time, it’s about the journey. That’s what it’s about, that’s what coaching is about, that’s what being on a team is about. You hope you’re the last team raising that trophy but there’s so much more to it. We’ve been coaching a long time and you get to see that right in front of your eyes. It’s pretty special,” Forbes said.

“So, an awesome group. I hate that the season ended for them, but, man, proud of all of them.”

Scott Forbes took over as the North Carolina head coach in 2021. He had previously been the team’s pitching coach since 2006. 2022 was North Carolina’s deepest run under Forbes, winning the ACC Tournament and going to the Super Regional.

In May, North Carolina signed Scott Forbes to a five-year contract extension.

Mac Horvath is grateful for his time at UNC

The loss to Iowa ended the college career of Mac Horvath, a star for North Carolina. After the game, he was emotional but took the time to make it clear that he is grateful for his time at North Carolina.

“[I’m] just super grateful just to be able to play here. And [for Scott Forbes] sitting next to me for just always believing in me, especially that freshman year. [I was] just struggling but he’s always had my back, just always believed in me,” Horvath said.

“[I’m] just incredibly thankful.”

Scott Forbes also made sure to point out that Mac Horvath did all he could do against Iowa, praising his performance.

“You don’t need to say much with Mac,” Forbes said. “That’s what makes him so good. He’s gonna be level headed. He works his tail off. Every hitter has struggles and he’s grown through that. He’s had his fair share like all have and that’s why he is who he is.”