When Mikey Ryan entered the transfer portal this summer, he wasn’t exactly sure where his next stop would be. The former LSU infielder just wanted to find a program that felt right — one with a winning culture, strong coaching, and a place that felt like home. He found all of that, and more, in Raleigh.
“I took a couple visits, but this one really stood out to me,” Ryan said. “The coaches were really great on my visit. They made me feel like home, and they have a good history of success here. So I felt like it was a great place to go, so I came here.”
Ryan’s connection to NC State began quickly. Associate head coach Chris Hart was the first to reach out after Ryan entered the portal, a gesture that stuck with him.
“Coach Hart was the first coach to call me,” Ryan recalled. “The sooner you get to me, that means a lot to me. I was up in the Northwoods League during summer ball, probably three days after I entered the portal, when he called.”
For Ryan, NC State’s reputation for producing elite infielders — including former All-American and MLB star Trea Turner — carried significant weight.
“Yeah, no doubt,” Ryan said. “I mean, shortstops like Trea Turner came here, so obviously they’re doing something right here. I just felt like this is the place for me, and the coaches really made me feel like I was at home.”
The Louisiana native said he wasn’t necessarily targeting NC State when he hit the portal but quickly realized it was the right fit.
“I was just open to anything,” he said. “But like I said, this place really stood out to me, and I’m glad I chose NC State.”
Now settled into campus life, Ryan has embraced Raleigh and his new teammates.
“I like them — we’re really gelling well together,” he said. “Got a good group of guys, good chemistry going, and just ready to roll into the season with it.”
The transition to life in North Carolina has also come with a few perks.
“The weather’s a little bit better,” Ryan laughed. “It’s a little cooler right now than it is in Louisiana, so that’s a plus. I couldn’t ask for a better campus to be at.”
Ryan appeared in 15 games last season at LSU, but now he’s eager to take on a larger role with the Wolfpack.
“I’m really excited,” he said. “Last year I played in like 15 games or so, but this year I’m ready to get after it. It’s been pretty much a year since I’ve really played baseball the whole season, so I’m ready to get on the field and attack one game at a time.”
When asked about NC State head coach Elliott Avent, Ryan’s face lit up.
“Oh, man, he’s awesome,” he said. “He’s unlike any coach I’ve ever had. A lot of energy, really focused on the little things — that’s what I like about him. He’s a great coach.”
Ryan has already felt the warmth of the Wolfpack fan base since his commitment became public.
“It was pretty cool,” he said. “Them reaching out means a lot to me. That means they’re excited I’m here, and I’m excited they’re going to be cheering us on. I couldn’t ask for a better fan base, and I appreciate those guys.”
As he looks ahead to his first season in Raleigh, Ryan is focused on both personal growth and team success.
“Obviously, we want to win a national championship — that’s the ultimate goal,” he said. “But anything I can do for this team to make them better, that’s what I’m here for.”
And to the Wolfpack faithful, Ryan has a simple message:
“Y’all are getting a hardworking kid, ready to just go out there and do anything he can for NC State,” he said. “We’re trying to bring a national championship back to this place, and we’re ready to do it.”
