Cooper Nicholson had been on an absolute tear throughout the final stretch of the regular season.
His success has carried into the NCAA Tournament, as the transfer infielder did something that hasn't been done by a member of the UNC baseball program in over 15 seasons.
Nicholson accomplishes a rare feat in his UNC NCAA Tournament debut
In the bottom of the third inning of the Diamond Heels' Chapel Hill Regional opener against VCU, Nicholson absolutely smoked a line drive home run over the left field fence. It serves as his 16th home run of the 2026 season, 9 of which have come over his last 21 games.
Coop lazer beam to left baby 💥
— Carolina Baseball (@DiamondHeels) May 29, 2026
First NCAA tourney homer for @Coop_Nicholson2 adds to our lead! https://t.co/Thk2TcsPPx pic.twitter.com/YdRp9h1KQs
With his big blast, Nicholson became the first transfer to homer in his first NCAA tournament game with UNC since Dillon Hazlett did so in Game 1 of the 2010 Norman Regional vs. Cal.
Pretty impressive!
Of course, playing in games like this is part of the reason why Nicholson decided to bring his talents to Chapel Hill. His decision has been a great one, as he's made a major impact on this year's team. Whether it's playing steady defense at third base or heating up offensively as he has over the last few weeks, Nicholson has been a sneaky good addition for the UNC baseball program.
Michael Malone spotted at UNC baseball's Chapel Hill Regional opener
His NCAA Tournament debut as a Tar Heel is one he'll remember for quite some time, given he was able to leave the yard once again (something that has been very common for him throughout the 2026 season).
Nicholson hopes that there will be plenty more big-time hits for him and his teammates as the NCAA Tournament rolls on. Legends are made in May and June in the world of college baseball, as Scott Forbes and his staff hope that Nicholson and the Diamond Heels can continue their success for a few more weeks as they aim for a trip to Omaha.
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