I went in search of a mentor who not only has great experience but who also shares a zeal for growing people and creating development. After researching and considering, I called up Kevin Schnall, the legendary baseball coach at Coastal Carolina University.

Now assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for the baseball team at Coastal Carolina University, Schnall has been a linchpin to the success of the Chanticleers. Schnall began his life in the sport as an excellent player at Coastal Carolina, for whom he was a three-time All-Big South Conference honoree and an All-American in 1999.

After having lived a life as a professional player, Schnall transitioned to coaching to impart all the wisdom and knowledge that he had to the upcoming generation of athletes. He has spent over a decade at Coastal Carolina, guiding the team through multiple conference championships and a national title in 2016.

It was a very intentional and carefully thought out process to make contact with Coach Schnall. First, I had to do some research on his career and what he has done for the baseball program at Coastal Carolina so I could be informed on some of his achievements as well as his coaching philosophy. In the email, I explained my interest in sports and the aspiration to work in the sport communication field. The second objective detailed the assignment and how his ideas would really be of help during the semester. Also reiterated was my commitment to remaining professional and mutually beneficial.

Coach Schnall was generous and offered to be my professional contact, letting me know he would be more than glad to serve as my go-to. He appreciated my enthusiasm and motivation to learn and before long we were able to negotiate a timetable for regular contact.

Collaborating with Kevin Schnall has been an inspiring start to my Sport Professional Penpal adventure. His rich experience in the sport of baseball and as a coach are treasures that I am looking forward to tapping into. As we move along, I am looking forward to gaining additional insights and learning from our communication, and I am confident that this collaboration will significantly add to my understanding of the sport industry.