CHARLOTTE, N.C. (theACC.com) – North Carolina second baseman Gavin Gallaher and NC State center fielder Ty Head were named the recipients of the Rawlings Gold Glove Awards by the American Baseball Coaches Association.
 
The award is presented annually to the top defensive players in each division of collegiate and high school baseball. The finalists are selected by the ABCA NCAA Division I All-America committee.
 
The ABCA/Rawlings Gold Glove teams were first recognized in 2007. Founded in 1945, the American Baseball Coaches Association is the primary professional organization for baseball coaches at the amateur level. Its more than 15,000 members represent all 50 states and 41 countries. Since its initial meeting of 27 college baseball coaches in June 1945, Association membership has expanded to include nine divisions: NCAA Division I, II and III, NAIA, NJCAA, Pacific Association Division, High School, Youth and Travel.
 
Gallaher becomes the second player in North Carolina history to receive a Gold Glove, joining Vance Honeycutt in 2024. Gallaher ranks fourth nationally and first among non-catchers in defensive runs saved (19.37).
 
In his first year at second base, he has posted a career-best .983 fielding percentage with a career-low five errors. This season, the third team All-ACC selection has posted 100 putouts and 195 assists, while starting all 66 games for the Tar Heels.
 
Through nine NCAA Tournament games, Gallaher has committed just one error, posting a .977 fielding percentage. His stellar defensive play has helped lead North Carolina to the Men’s College World Series Finals.
 
Head becomes the third player in Wolfpack history to be awarded the Gold Glove and the first outfielder since Brett Williams won the award in 2013. In 2021, Austin Murr won the Gold Glove at first base.
 
The third team All-ACC selection started all 56 games for NC State in center field. Head did not commit an error throughout the 2026 season, recording 131 putouts and two outfield assists.