Coastal Carolina University Coach Kevin Schnall’s Success Is Deeply Rooted In The Values Instilled By His Parents, Steven And Eileen Schnall

The coaching philosophy that defines Kevin Schnall today reflects the lasting influence of his parents.

Kevin Schnall has established himself as one of college baseball’s most promising coaches, building on a foundation of excellence that spans both his playing and coaching careers.

Born on January 30, 1977, Schnall currently serves as the head baseball coach at Coastal Carolina University, where he has achieved remarkable success in a relatively short tenure.

His journey began as a standout catcher for the Chanticleers from 1995 to 1999, where he made history as the program’s first All-American player, earning second-team honors from the NCBWA in 1999.

The Cincinnati Reds selected him in the 25th round of the 1999 MLB Draft, leading to two seasons in their farm system before he transitioned to coaching.

Schnall’s coaching career flourished under mentor Gary Gilmore, serving as an assistant from 2001 to 2012, then moving to UCF before returning to Coastal Carolina in 2016.

His crowning achievement came when he guided the Chanticleers to the College World Series in his first season as head coach in 2024, earning the Sun Belt’s Ron Maestri Coach of the Year award after leading the team to 44 wins and a conference championship.

Kevin Schnall’s Parents Built The Foundation For His Success

Kevin Schnall’s success stems from the strong foundation provided by his parents, Steven J. Schnall and Eileen Schnall Porada, who instilled in him the values of dedication, perseverance, and excellence that define his coaching philosophy today.

Steven J. Schnall, who passed away on December 22, 2022, at the age of 78, served as a profound influence on Kevin’s athletic and coaching development throughout his life.

Steven Schnall embodied the coaching profession with remarkable dedication and expertise.

Born on January 20, 1944, in Queens, New York, he built an impressive career in collegiate and professional football that spanned several decades.

Steven graduated from Springfield College in 1965 and earned his master’s degree from the University of Connecticut in 1967, establishing the educational foundation that would support his coaching career.

His coaching journey took him through some of the most prestigious programs in college football, including positions at Widener University, Lafayette College, William & Mary, East Carolina University, and Princeton University.

Steven’s expertise eventually led him to the professional ranks, where he coached and scouted for both the New York Giants and San Diego Chargers.

The elder Schnall’s influence on Kevin extended far beyond the technical aspects of coaching.

Steven, affectionately known as “Coach” to those around him, developed a comprehensive philosophy centered on his famous “Zero Defects” approach, which he abbreviated as “ZD.”

Steven’s commitment to excellence manifested in numerous other acronyms that became part of his coaching legacy: “ABC” (Always Be Coaching), “BOLO” (Be On the Look Out), “CCR” (Consistent Correct Repetitions), “CUPA” (Calm Under Pressure Always), “LIPS” (Late Inning Pressure Situations), and “QAB” (Quickness, Agility, Balance).

Steven’s dedication to his family matched his professional commitment.

He became a constant presence at Coastal Carolina University during the early 2000s when Kevin transitioned from player to coach, rarely missing either football or baseball games.

Steven’s presence at games wasn’t merely passive; he actively engaged with the program and became a beloved figure within the Coastal Carolina community, earning respect from players, coaches, and fans alike.

Eileen Schnall Porada, Kevin’s mother, also played a crucial role in shaping the values that drive his success today.

While less publicly documented than Steven’s coaching career, Eileen’s influence on Kevin’s character and dedication remains significant.

The family structure that Steven and Eileen created emphasized the importance of hard work, commitment to excellence, and support for one another’s endeavors.

The impact of Kevin’s parents extends beyond his immediate family to the broader baseball community at Coastal Carolina University.

Steven’s coaching philosophy and Eileen’s supportive presence helped create the foundation that enabled Kevin to develop into the leader who could guide the Chanticleers to their greatest heights.

The values instilled by his parents—dedication, systematic preparation, and unwavering support—became the cornerstones of Kevin’s coaching approach.

In Case You Didn’t Know

• Kevin was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the 25th round of the 1999 MLB Draft and played two seasons in their farm system before transitioning to coaching.
• He served as assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at UCF from 2012 to 2016 before returning to Coastal Carolina.
• Kevin replaced Gary Gilmore as head coach, who had been Coastal Carolina’s coach for 29 seasons and was the program’s winningest coach in history.