With the new transfer rules that have impacted the world of college athletics, it's becoming more common to see a player (or players) transfer to schools within the conference they originally played in.
Scary enough, it's becoming even more normal to see student-athletes take their talents to join their former team's in-state rival.
The UNC softball program has secured commitments from a pair of NC State transfers: infielder Michele Tarpey and pitcher Carly Maxton.
Tarpey, a Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina native, was the first of the two to commit to the Tar Heels. Coming off a very strong redshirt junior season, Tarpey is a player who should make an immediate impact in Chapel Hill.
During the 2025 season, Tarpey started 40 games, leading the Wolfpack with a .348 batting average. She ranked third on the team with 48 hits and second with 35 runs batted in. She hit .310 over 143 games played at NC State, as her ability to get on base simply isn't a fluke.
Rising junior Carly Maxton followed Tarpey's path to Chapel Hill, committing to the Tar Heels on May 26. She'll arrive at North Carolina with two seasons of eligibility remaining.
Maxton was a breakout star for the Wolfpack in the circle, leading the team in appearances and games started. She finished the season with 11 wins and 104 strikeouts over 134.1 innings of work, as opponents hit just .250 against her.
Of course, who could blame either one for wanting to leave NC State to join the UNC softball program?!
All kidding aside, these are two major additions for Megan Smith Lyon and the Tar Heels. Coming off a trip to the NCAA Championship, the UNC softball program is looking to bolster the roster and make an even deeper run next season, as both additions from NC State could play major roles in helping the Tar Heels accomplish that goal.