Kevin Schnall Opens First Fall Practice, Sets Tone for Rebuilt South Carolina Baseball Program / sportsearchers.com

South Carolina baseball began its 35 fall practices Monday under new head coach Kevin Schnall, who was introduced back in June via a memorable helicopter arrival at Founders Park. Speaking to media for nearly 25 minutes, Schnall laid out his vision for a program undergoing significant roster turnover.

A Guiding Philosophy: “Own It”

Schnall introduced the program’s new identity built around two words: “Own it.” He elaborated: “We are going to own our preparation, we are going to own our effort. We are going to own our attitude. Every player will own their role. And ultimately, we are going to own the responsibility that comes with wearing South Carolina across our chest.”

A Nearly Entirely New Roster

The biggest challenge facing Schnall this fall is establishing standards with a team that’s almost completely turned over — only six players remain from last year’s 22-35 squad, with 28 new players joining, including eight from Coastal Carolina (Schnall’s previous program) and four from Wake Forest, notably slugger Luke Costello, who hit 18 home runs last season. Schnall emphasized the priority of culture-building: “To get them to become Gamecocks is what is most important right now… Fall is a time to install the standards and expectations. When you have a fully new team, it is going to take a little longer.”

An Unusually Large Coaching Staff

Schnall has built out a staff of 11 coaches, up from seven under predecessor Paul Mainieri. He credited his father’s approach coaching high school football for inspiring the larger structure: “I admired the way football programs and staffs were assembled… A lot of people are intimidated by a big circle. I welcome the big circle… The most important people in this program are the 34 players. And when you have a big staff, there are more opportunities to touch your players in a positive way.”

Catching Depth Stands Out

As a former catcher himself, Schnall highlighted the position as a likely strength this season, praising assistant Tyler Shewmaker’s development work. The catching room includes Coastal transfer Brice Estep, Wake Forest transfer Andrew Costello, and high school signee Alain Gomez-Gudino — the Arizona Gatorade Player of the Year and top-50 national prospect who chose South Carolina over the MLB Draft. Schnall was effusive in his praise: “That room, the catching room, has a chance to be pretty special… Those three catchers could be the deepest and best catching group we ever had.”

Expanded Scrimmage Schedule

For the first time, college baseball programs are permitted four preseason scrimmages rather than two, and South Carolina will use all four — against High Point (Oct. 9), College of Charleston at Segra Park (Oct. 15), Winthrop (Oct. 23), and Duke in Spartanburg (Nov. 1). Schnall noted the staff will evaluate whether this format continues going forward: “Four games will be good for this team… Next year at this time, I might say four is too many. We will continue to evaluate it as a staff.”

Injury Updates

Several players are working back from injuries this fall. Arizona State transfer Garrett Michel had a hamate bone removed four weeks ago but is progressing. Coastal Carolina transfer pitchers Dominick Carbone (Tommy John surgery in February) and Hayden Johnson (elbow surgery in April) remain in rehab. Returning pitcher Cooper Parks is throwing and progressing well, while transfer Daniel Parker is set to begin his throwing program October 2 after dealing with hamstring and shoulder issues. UConn transfer Greg Shaw can practice but remains sidelined from scrimmages while awaiting word on a possible sixth year of eligibility.