The North Carolina Tar Heels bolstered their 2025 roster by adding two players from Liberty via the transfer portal on Wednesday. With a need to expand their roster, they turned to Liberty to fulfill it.
Joining the Diamond Heels are outfielder Kane Kepley and pitcher Cale Bolton, both following former manager Scott Jackson, now an assistant coach at UNC, to Chapel Hill.
Heading into the offseason, North Carolina aimed to reinforce their outfield after Vance Honeycutt, Casey Cook, and Anthony Donofrio were drafted. This star trio combined for 160 starts in 161 appearances last season, showcasing their exceptional talent.
Kepley arrives with impressive credentials, having batted .332 and earning second-team All-Conference USA honors this past season. Currently excelling in the Cape Cod League this summer, Kepley led Liberty in hits, runs, and stolen bases last year.
With only Reece Holbrook, Ryker Galaska, two-sport athlete Kaleb Cost, and Carter French listed as other outfielders on the roster, the Diamond Heels will seek additional recruits via the transfer portal.
In announcing his commitment to UNC, Kepley expressed his enthusiasm for joining the team. Meanwhile, the addition of pitcher Cale Bolton provides another solid option for the Tar Heels’ pitching staff. Despite finishing with a 2-2 record and a 5.08 ERA in 16 bullpen appearances for Liberty last season, Bolton adds depth to North Carolina’s pitching corps for the upcoming season.
