DP Q&A: Kevin Schnall

SchnallKevin-1b

SchnallKevin-1bKevin Schnall has returned to the Palmetto State and his alma mater, this time to stay at Coastal Carolina has the Associate Head Coach. A standout player at CCU, Schnall rose to prominance as a relentless recruiter there while the Chanticleers became a national power. In his Q&A, the former catcher discusses his time at Central Florida, everything family-related and so much more. Get to know Kevin Schnall now:

DP-How many years have you been in coaching? What got you into the business?

KS-This spring will be my 16th season coaching college baseball. It’s truly an honor and a privilege to work in a positive college environment where everyone cares about improving the lives of terrific student-athletes. The reason I chose the coaching profession evolves from being coached by passionate mentors which begins with my father. To this day, I often reflect back to my Little League experience and my ventures thru HS, College and Pro baseball. 

DP-What is the most rewarding thing about being a college baseball coach? 

KS-The opportunity/ability to impact the lives of young adults like so many former coaches did for me.

DP-What does the term “coach” mean to you?

KS-Coach to me is a person who teaches, motivates, and leads by example. A coach is someone who can develop a culture where their players think they are capable of doing anything. This is a game of adversity, a game in which you fail, a “true” coach understands and remembers that! Also, a true coach is willing and wanting to continually evolve. 

DP-You came to back to Coastal as a highly-decorated recruiting coordinator from Central Florida. What have you learned/gained in the time away from your alma mater? 

SchnallKevin-headucfKS-My three years away from Coastal not only helped me grow as a person and baseball coach, but it expanded my footprint as a national recruiter. I returned with a more diverse perspective of the college baseball landscape and feel like I’m a better coach, recruiter, and person. I’m able to put the total program in a more defined perspective —- and that’s all positive. 

DP-What is most rewarding about being back home?

KS-It’s very rewarding to be able to wear Black and Teal every day! The ability to represent Coastal Carolina is an honor. Coastal Carolina has meant so much to my family and me. 

DP-Your son Jayden has had a difficult time since your return. If you are comfortable sharing, what has that been like for you personally? Professionally?

KS-We still have a long road ahead of us in recovery and treatment of the underlying cause of the situation; however, he is out of immediate danger and has been progressing well as we, together, will tackle this next chapter of the story. His resiliency through this situation has been so inspiring and we are so proud of him.

We are so appreciative and thankful of the overwhelming support we’ve received from our Coastal family, the CF Elementary School, and the entire Grand Strand community!

DP-How do you balance the time demands of coaching and your family? 

KS-I married a very independent and supportive wife. Balance in this profession is nearly impossible. 

DP-When you hear the expression “old school baseball”, what does that phrase mean to you? 

KS-I like to describe myself as a hybrid “Old School and New School” Coach. Both “school’s” believe in doing things right, but the new school embraces using social media, as well as advanced technology and video platforms much more available to coaches today. 

DP-What is your most memorable experience as a baseball coach?  

KS-The biggest joy to me is watching our players grow physically and mentally in such a short period of time, and when they succeed is the most gratifying feeling/experience as a baseball coach.

DP-How has coaching/recruiting changed in the past 10 years?

KS-The biggest change is the increased number of universities that have put more of an investment in their baseball program. This has has created more competition. 

DP-What is your greatest pet peeve in life? During games? In practice?

KS-My pet peeve: coaches and players who take short-cuts! “Do not mistake activity for achievement” is my watchword to avoid inefficiency. I believe in spending more time in doing things right, and less time on figuring out what’s wrong.

DP-Please list the top 3 selling points of your school? Your baseball program?

schnallk-head08KS-Selling points of Coastal Carolina University:
Location, superb learning environment, led by an amazing Administration and caring faculty. The college is still small enough for everyone to know each other, but big enough to offer a numberless of unique opportunities and experiences.

Selling points of Coastal Carolina baseball:
Arguably the best baseball facilities in the country when you look at the total package, a consistent winning tradition, outstanding schedule, opportunity to get better as a person and player, 1st class teaching (coaching) staff, and an administrative and support system, that is second to none.

DP-We are often asked what a college coach is looking for. Can you answer that question in just a few sentences?

KS-Simplistically: I’m looking for a hitter that can consistently square the ball on the big part of the barrel. Defensively, when the ball is thrown or hit to you it is caught and when you throw the ball, it is thrown accurately. 

Note: The more athletic and explosive you are typically increases your chances to develop at a higher rate. 

DP-Who has made the greatest impression on you as a baseball coach and why? 

KS-My dad was the best coach I ever had and is a major reason why I’m coaching today. 

DP-Who are the best three players you have coached against? 

KS-Jeff Keppinger – Georgia, Khalil Greene – Clemson, Kevin Slowey – Winthrop

           DP-What does it mean to be a good teammate and is that important?

KS-A good teammate is someone who is selfless and always puts team ahead of self. In order to have a successful team, players must understand their roles and no one person is more important than the team.

DP-What accomplishment are you most proud of?

KS-There is nothing more rewarding than being called, “Dad”. I’m proud to be a father.

DP-Who has made the greatest impression on you as a person and why?

KS-My brother, Tim, probably has made the greatest impressions on me. He showed me what it looked like to outwork people and the true meaning of commitment.  

DP-Who is you favorite athlete outside of baseball?

KS-As a Giants fan, Lawrence Taylor was my all-time favorite player.

DP-Who is your favorite MLB pitcher and position player to watch and why?

KS-Mariano Rivera and Derek Jeter were fearless competitors and tremendous leaders.

DP-Who is your favorite MLB team? 

KS-New York Yankees

DP-What is your favorite sport to watch other than baseball? 

KS-Football

DP-What are some of your hobbies?

KS-I’ve just started fishing. I guess that’s becoming a hobby. 

DP-During your “off-season”, where might we find you?

KS-I utilize that time to “Play Dad” a little more consistently. 

DP-What is your twitter account? Do you enjoy twitter or is it a necessary evil?

KS-@KSchnall9 – Twitter is a great avenue to gain and provide information. 

DP-What is your favorite meal? 

KS-A platter with an assortment of sushi along with good company would be tough to beat.

DP-If you could have dinner with three people in history, who would they be and why?    

KS-I’d like to have dinner with my Grandfather. He passed when I was young but to this day he still weighs on my mind. He was a true blue-collar man who had this quiet demeanor/confidence that I will never forget. 

DP-Where do you see yourself in ten years?

KS-In ten years I see myself still wearing the black and teal and coaching at Coastal Carolina.

DP-Give a high school player who is reading this article one piece of advice. 

KS- “What you want, you can’t expect, if it doesn’t happen day after day.”