Chanticleers Soar: Coastal Baseball Secures Preseason Nod

Myrtle Beach, SC, January 10, 2026

Coastal Carolina Baseball enters the new season highly ranked after a historic campaign, earning the No. 17 spot in the Perfect Game Baseball Preseason Poll. This recognition comes after an exceptional previous season, where the team achieved a program-record 56 wins and reached the College World Series Finals. The accolades highlight the program’s dedication to excellence and its positive impact on the Myrtle Beach community and regional economy.

Myrtle Beach, SC —

Chanticleers Soar: Coastal Baseball Secures No. 17 Preseason Nod

Coastal Carolina Baseball enters the 2026 season highly ranked after a historic 2025 campaign, signaling continued athletic excellence and community pride in Myrtle Beach.

The Coastal Carolina Chanticleers baseball program has once again captured national attention, earning the No. 17 spot in the 2026 Perfect Game Baseball Preseason Poll. This prestigious ranking, announced on January 8, 2026, underscores the team’s consistent high performance and sets an optimistic tone for the upcoming season. The recognition follows an exceptional 2025 season where the Chanticleers achieved a program-record 56 wins and made a deep run to the College World Series Finals, showcasing the enduring power of dedicated athletic programs and the pursuit of excellence.

Such sustained success not only elevates the university’s profile but also reinforces the positive impact of robust collegiate athletics on the broader community. The achievements of the baseball team embody the spirit of perseverance and the rewards of strategic development, contributing significantly to the vibrant landscape of Myrtle Beach SC sports and the state’s economic vitality.

Sustained Success on the Diamond

Program Milestones Reflect Enduring Dedication

The Chanticleers’ No. 17 national ranking is a testament to a program built on a foundation of consistent achievement. The 2025 season marked a significant milestone, with Coastal Carolina recording an impressive 56 victories, a new program record. This remarkable season culminated in the team’s advancement to the College World Series Finals, where they ultimately finished as the runner-up to LSU. This consistent drive for victory is a hallmark of the program, which also notably secured the 2016 NCAA College World Series title under the guidance of former head coach Gary Gilmore, who retired after the 2024 season.

Current Head Coach Kevin Schnall, entering his second year, has seamlessly continued this legacy of excellence. Schnall was recognized as the 2025 National Coach of the Year by Baseball America, further solidifying the program’s leadership and strategic direction. The team’s ongoing success highlights the value of strong coaching, player development, and the competitive spirit essential for thriving in collegiate athletics.

Economic and Athletic Impact in Myrtle Beach

Boosting the Local Economy Through Sports

The prominence of Coastal Carolina Baseball extends beyond the field, playing a crucial role in the economic health and community spirit of the Myrtle Beach area. A nationally ranked team that consistently reaches postseason play attracts significant visitor spending, boosting local businesses, tourism, and related sectors. Coastal Carolina University itself generated $565.8 million for South Carolina’s economy last year through its diverse programs and community engagement, demonstrating the substantial financial ripple effect of a thriving institution. This positive economic feedback loop exemplifies how successful university initiatives, supported by community engagement and private investment, foster responsible growth within the region.

The energy generated by Coastal Carolina’s athletic programs contributes to a dynamic environment for Myrtle Beach SC sports. This fosters a broader appreciation for competitive events and athletic achievement, creating a positive atmosphere that benefits various aspects of local enterprise and community life.

The Broader South Carolina Sports Landscape

State-Wide Contributions to Athletic Prowess

Coastal Carolina’s achievements contribute significantly to the overall reputation of collegiate athletics within South Carolina. While the Chanticleers’ baseball program shines, the success reflects a broader commitment to sports excellence across the state. Major institutions, including those associated with University of South Carolina athletics, also demonstrate substantial economic contributions, with the entire USC system impacting the state’s economy by $7.4 billion annually. This collective strength in collegiate sports not only provides entertainment but also serves as a vital economic engine, driving jobs and revenue throughout South Carolina.

The competitive environment fostered by strong programs like Coastal Carolina’s baseball team raises the bar for all collegiate sports. This encourages continuous improvement and investment, ensuring that South Carolina remains a hub for athletic talent and compelling competitions. This robust appreciation for college sports, extending to the strong traditions exemplified by college football across the state and the growing interest in college football in Myrtle Beach, underpins the comprehensive support for student-athletes.

Cultivating Future Champions and Community Values

Private Initiative and Public Support Drive Success

The sustained success of programs like Coastal Carolina Baseball is a testament to the combined efforts of university leadership, private investment, and dedicated community support. These initiatives fund essential athletic facilities, scholarships, and training programs, fostering an environment where student-athletes can thrive both academically and athletically. Recently, Coastal Carolina University has undertaken significant investments in athletic and academic facilities, including plans for a new state-of-the-art indoor practice facility, aimed at enhancing student growth and community benefits. Such investments exemplify the power of private initiative and responsible growth, enabling programs to compete at the highest levels.

Furthermore, the evolution of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities plays a crucial role in maintaining competitiveness. Organizations like the Coastal Sports Collective are working to harness the Myrtle Beach area’s tourism economy to generate NIL revenue, ensuring the university can attract and retain top talent. This entrepreneurial approach, driven by community self-reliance and the value of competition, provides student-athletes with platforms to develop business acumen and receive financial support, enriching their overall educational experience. This commitment to investing in student-athletes not only builds championship teams but also cultivates future leaders imbued with the values of hard work, discipline, and community engagement.

Conclusion

Coastal Carolina Baseball’s No. 17 preseason national ranking marks another proud moment for the university and the Myrtle Beach community. This recognition is a clear reflection of the program’s unwavering commitment to excellence, the strategic leadership of its coaches, and the dedicated support from both the institution and its loyal fanbase. As the Chanticleers prepare for the 2026 season, their continued success promises to further elevate the profile of Myrtle Beach SC sports and contribute meaningfully to the regional economy.

We encourage all members of Teal Nation and sports enthusiasts across the state to continue their enthusiastic support of student-athletics. By engaging with our university programs and supporting local sporting events, we collectively foster an environment of competition, growth, and community strength. Be a part of the Chanticleer journey and help champion the values that make our athletic programs a source of pride for South Carolina.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is Coastal Carolina Baseball’s national ranking for the 2026 preseason?
  Coastal Carolina Baseball was ranked No. 17 nationally in the 2026 Perfect Game Baseball Preseason Poll.
• When was the 2026 Perfect Game Baseball Preseason Poll announced?
  The 2026 Perfect Game Baseball Preseason Poll was announced on January 8, 2026.
• What was Coastal Carolina Baseball’s record in the 2025 season?
  In the 2025 season, Coastal Carolina Baseball achieved a program-record 56 wins.
• Did Coastal Carolina Baseball advance to the College World Series Finals in 2025?
  Yes, Coastal Carolina Baseball advanced to the College World Series Finals in 2025.
• Who was the head coach when Coastal Carolina won the 2016 NCAA College World Series?
  Gary Gilmore was the head coach when Coastal Carolina won the 2016 NCAA College World Series.
• Who is the current head coach for Coastal Carolina Baseball?
  Kevin Schnall is the current head coach for Coastal Carolina Baseball, entering his second year in 2026.
• What is the economic impact of Coastal Carolina University on South Carolina?
  Coastal Carolina University generated $565.8 million for South Carolina’s economy last year.

Coastal Carolina Baseball Program Highlights

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Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH

The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.