Kevin Schnall walked into the baseball offices at Coastal Carolina on Tuesday, just as he has for many, many years. However, there was something different about that walk across the parking lot at Springs Brooks Stadium in Conway, as Schnall was now striding down the concourse above the third base line with a different job title.
The former CCU catcher and longtime assistant was officially named head coach of the Chanticleers this week, replacing Gary Gilmore, who retired at the end of this past season. It’s a role in which Schnall played in 2020, as he served as acting head coach during a medical leave for Gilmore, helping Coastal go 11-5 in the pandemic-shortened year. Now, he’s been given the keys to the car, and he says it’s all because of his mentor.
“I’m well prepared and ready for this assignment, and that’s because of Gary Gilmore,” Schnall said. “He’s always given his whole staff autonomy, giving us a lot of freedom to go out and coach and to make decisions. He did give us a lot of say, and because of that, I do feel much more prepared for what’s next.”
Schnall was a guest of SportsTalk on Tuesday night to reflect on his time alongside Gilly and to look forward to what’s next for CCU baseball under his leadership.
CCU HC Kevin Schnall — SportsTalk Conversation