Rachel Stahl
Name: Rachel Stahl
Hometown: Poland, Ohio
Year in School: Junior
Major: Mathematics
As a seventh grade middle school student, Rachel Stahl watched a high school marching band perform. During the performance, she didn’t take her eyes off the twirlers. Rachel was mesmerized as she watched the students throw their batons in the air only to catch them flawlessly. She wanted to do it too.
That summer, Rachel took twirling lessons and discovered that she had a natural talent. She twirled her entire high school career, never losing passion for the activity. It only made sense to pursue her love after graduation and Coastal Carolina University gave her that opportunity.
Rachel fit right in with the Coastal Caroling marching band, known as the Chanticleer Regiment. She picked up right where she left off and it didn’t take long before she was performing in Brooks Stadium.
“The first time walking on the teal turf,” Rachel answers when asked about her favorite moment at CCU. “I was going down for halftime (to twirl). Just seeing the teal and the crowd was amazing.”
This past football season was the third for Rachel as a collegiate twirler. But to say there is more to Rachel than twirling is an understatement. She is a mathematics major with a goal to become a teacher. If she manages to positively impact the education of a child, Rachel will be reaching her goal.
“I really hope to make a difference,” Rachel remarks.
The junior from Poland, Ohio, has traveled far to continue her passion and chase her dreams. Talented in many ways, including playing the oboe, Rachel has a lot going for her. We hope she enjoys her upcoming final season of twirling and that she continues to develop her teaching skills that will hopefully lead to a long career in the classroom.
Q&A with Rachel
How did you hear about Coastal?: My mother and I were searching for South Carolina colleges with a good science department and the opportunity to twirl.
Why did you come to Coastal?: I toured the campus and fell in love with the layout and beauty. I also liked how I could continue to participate in marching band as a feature twirler.
Favorite professor: Either Mary Wilkerson, Ph.D., or Douglas Weathers because both helped me love math again.
Favorite class: Discrete Math because we got to learn really cool things and learn how to solve problems easier.
Favorite aspect of Coastal?: I love how Coastal is very student-oriented and how almost every professor will help you out. They will take time out of their day to do whatever it takes to assist students.
Favorite aspect of living in the Conway/Myrtle Beach area?: I like the warm weather and being able to participate in certain experiences that you would not be able to enjoy in a small town like I am from.
Clubs/Intramurals/other extracurricular activities involved in?: I am in the marching band as a twirler and in the wind ensemble as an oboe player.
Do you work anywhere currently (either on or off campus)?: I work on campus as a desk assistant.
Plans after graduation?: I plan to get a job in the area as either a math teacher or work for a business in its finance department. There is also the possibility that I will earn my graduate degree in mathematics so that I can teach college math.
What are your hobbies?: I like to read and go to the beach during free time and I love to listen to country music.
Do you have any hidden talents?: I can twirl knives!
Bonus Info: #ChantsUp
