Will Smith pauses his press appearance to applaud JD Arteaga: ‘One of the best coaches I’ve ever freaking played for’
Smith pauses press conference…
The Miami Hurricanes won a tough and emotional game over Southern Miss on Monday to win the Hattiesburg Regional and advance to the Super Regional. Following the game, head coach JD Arteaga and several key players spoke with the media. Pitcher Will Smith halted the news conference to congratulate his head coach. As the news conference came to a close, Smith interjected to say that Arteaga is one of the best instructors he’s ever had. It stemmed from a clearly emotional occasion for the Hurricanes team.
“I’d like to make a comment,” Smith stated. “He’s being quite humble right now. This is one of the best coaches I’ve ever played for, and he’ll be teaching for a long time, man.”
They finished by patting each other on the shoulder. Derek Williams, who was sitting on the opposite side of Arteaga, likewise clapped his coach on the shoulder. The move, accompanied by a smile, effectively ended the news conference. Smith came to Miami as a transfer from Coastal Carolina, where he pitched from 2020 to 2024. Smith has made 24 bullpen appearances for the Hurricanes this season, pitching 26.2 innings. Over that time, he has a 4.39 ERA with 41 strikeouts.
Smith pauses press conference…
Smith would pitch three innings from the bullpen in the Hattiesburg Regional final. He surrendered just one run and struck out four hitters. That would also be sufficient to secure a win. For Arteaga, this will be his first Super Regional as a head coach. This follows a career dedicated to Miami baseball. He pitched for the Hurricanes from 1994 to 1997. Following a brief minor league career, he joined Miami as an assistant coach in 2003 and remained with the team for two decades. That was under Jim Morris, and then Gino DiMare.
In 2024, Arteaga was appointed to head coach. Now, a year later, the Hurricanes make their first Super Regional appearance since 2016. Arteaga is quite proud of his accomplishment. “I’ve said it all along: this is a special bunch. I explained to the players that this game rewards teams that do things correctly and play hard with confidence and courage. Some of the plays seem to have been divinely inspired. “Plays that aren’t the typical way you draw it up in baseball, it seemed like everything went our way,” Arteaga explained.
“I’m glad for my bunch of guys, bro. I get to spend another week with this bunch, and I want to make it as long as possible. What makes it extra special is that I get to share it with these men. I’m grateful for that, and I thank God every day for where I am, where I coach, and the players I work with. From my staff to coaches to players to everyone, both up and down. I’m just grateful. “I thank God every morning.” Now, Miami and Arteaga will focus on the Louisville Cardinals. The Hurricanes will face their ACC opponent in the Super Regional beginning on Friday, June 6th.
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