News Summary
Coastal Carolina’s Chanticleers have achieved a remarkable postseason run, clinching a place in the College World Series championship series against LSU. Under first-year coach Kevin Schnall, the team has established a 26-game winning streak, the third-longest in Division I history. With a record of 56 wins this season, Schnall has set new benchmarks in his inaugural year while enhancing the baseball program’s competitiveness. The championship series kicks off Saturday at 7 p.m. ET, and hopes are high for another title to add to their 2016 national championship.
Conway, South Carolina – Coastal Carolina’s baseball team, known as the Chanticleers, has made an impressive run in the postseason, clinching a spot in the College World Series (CWS) championship series against Louisiana State University (LSU). This remarkable achievement marks a significant milestone for the program, especially under the leadership of first-year head coach Kevin Schnall.
Under Schnall’s guidance, the Chanticleers have achieved a stunning 26-game winning streak, the third-longest Division I winning streak in the past five years. This streak has catapulted the team into the championship series, further solidifying their standing as a formidable contender in collegiate baseball. Coastal Carolina’s postseason performance has established Schnall as the first rookie head coach in college baseball history to secure victories in his first eight NCAA postseason games.
The CWS championship series is scheduled to begin on Saturday at 7 p.m. ET in Omaha. The Chanticleers, who previously won the national championship in 2016 during their inaugural CWS appearance, are looking to add another title to their storied history. The team’s competitive legacy includes participation in 21 NCAA Tournaments since 1991, reflecting their consistent excellence on the field.
Kevin Schnall initially expressed his desire to be the head coach shortly after Coastal Carolina’s championship win in 2016. Following discussions with athletic director Matt Hogue, an agreement was reached for Schnall to take over once longtime coach Gary Gilmore retired. This transition has proven timely, as it provides Schnall ample opportunity to build upon the foundation laid by Gilmore, who announced that the current season will be his last.
Schnall’s inaugural season has seen remarkable success, accumulating a record of 56 wins and breaking previous records held by coaching icons like Mike Martin and Mike Batesole. Hogue has praised Schnall’s meticulous attention to detail and organizational skills, which have clearly contributed to the team’s performance and success.
Additionally, the athletic department has taken steps to enhance the baseball program’s competitiveness. A restructured budget has allowed for more scholarships to be allocated, ensuring the team attracts top talent. This strategic investment will likely bolster the Chanticleers’ future endeavors in both recruiting and maintaining a high-performance level.
Coastal’s approach during the postseason has been aggressive, exemplified by their ability to score in the first inning of every game in this tournament. Center fielder Wells Sykes has been a standout performer, having reached base safely in all 26 consecutive victories. The team’s strategy has also included leading the nation with a record of 176 batters hit by pitches, a statistic that underscores their determination to get on base at any cost.
Despite the upcoming challenge against a historically successful program like LSU, Coastal Carolina has demonstrated fighting spirit and resilience throughout the season. Schnall’s passionate plea to his players and the community, which included calling out a rival coach for bullying tactics, emphasizes his commitment to fostering a positive competitive environment.
The NCAA’s recent adjustments regarding scholarship limits and revenue sharing allow Coastal Carolina’s athletic administration to adapt further and prepare for continued success. As the team steps onto the field for the championship series, fans and supporters remain hopeful and proud of their achievements, regardless of the outcome of the final games.
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Additional Resources
- WDRB Sports
- Wikipedia: College World Series
- The State
- Google Search: Coastal Carolina baseball
- Front Office Sports
- Google Scholar: College World Series 2025
- ABC News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: baseball in America
- ESPN
- Google News: LSU baseball
