Kevin Schnall shares farewell message for Coastal Carolina
South Carolina on Wednesday announced its hire of Kevin Schnall as its next head baseball coach. Schnall comes to Columbia after a successful stint as head coach at Coastal Carolina in Conway.
Schnall has been most of his baseball career with the Chanticleers. He played for Coastal Carolina from 1995-99 and started his coaching career there soon after.
Schnall was an assistant at Coastal from 2001-2012 then left for a short stint at UCF. He returned as associate head coach in 2016 and remained in that role until 2024. Schnall was elevated to head coach of the Chanticleers in 2025.
On Thursday morning, Schnall posted a farewell message to the Coastal Carolina community to his Twitter/X page:
“For 25 years, Coastal Carolina has been far more than a university to me. It has been home,” Schnall said. ”From my days as a student-athlete to serving as a coach, and through every stage of life as a husband and father, this place has shaped who I am. The experiences, friendships, and memories built here have had a deep impact on my family and me, and for that we will always be grateful.”
Schnall went on to thank Coastal players, coaches and staff members, administrators and fans for their support of him over the last 25 years.
During his tenure, Schnall was part of two Coastal Carolina teams that made it to the College World Series in Omaha. Coastal won the national title when Schnall was an assistant in 2016 and was the national runner-up when he was head coach in 2025.
“What I will cherish most are the relationships,” Schnall said. “The teammates, players, colleagues, supporters, and friends who have been part of this journey have left a lasting mark on my life. Those connections will remain long after the games have ended. Leaving a place that has meant so much to my family and me is incredibly difficult. At the same time, we are excited for the opportunity that lies ahead. Both emotions can exist together, and that is exactly how we feel today.”
Schnall will be introduced to Gamecock fans during a public event at Founders Park on Friday at 8:30 p.m. at Founders Park.
“No matter where life takes us, Coastal Carolina will always hold a special place in our hearts,” Schnall said. “I will forever be proud to have represented this university and to have worn the Chanticleer logo. Thank you for 25 unforgettable years.”
This story was originally published June 11, 2026 at 9:51 AM.
