Samantha Parnell
Name: Samantha Parnell
Hometown: Hollidaysburg, S.C.
Year in School: Sophomore
Major: Exercise and Sport Science
Minor: Public Health
Samantha Parnell’s parents taught their daughter that it is important and beneficial to build relationships. Perhaps no better place to heed this advice is at college, a place where the potential to connect with new people and develop long lasting friendships is almost limitless. Taking the wisdom of her mom and dad, Samantha has set a goal to meet as many new people as possible while at Coastal Carolina.
A sophomore from Hollidaysburg, Pa., Samantha came to Coastal for all the right reasons. She felt comfortable with the University’s size, loved the location of campus, felt energized by the sense of community and knew the exercise and sport science program was exactly what she was looking for. Of course, she also knew her new home would be ripe for relationship building.
In just over a year on campus, Samantha has met new people by involving herself in many ways. She is a Teal Trailblazer, confidently providing campus tours to prospective new students and other visitors. She is part of Colleges Against Cancer, taking part in important volunteer initiatives while meeting other selfless Chanticleers. Additionally, Samantha makes friends out on the intramural fields where she plays soccer. For good measure, she also is active off campus where she works for the Myrtle Beach Pelicans minor league baseball organization.
Needless to say, Samantha is well on her way to meeting (and exceeding) her goal while at Coastal. However, If you know her, you have a good idea that she will probably never grow satisfied with the amount of people met and relationships established. Don’t be surprised to see her making friends at her commencement ceremony a couple years down the road, introducing herself to students sitting next to her.
Samantha’s parents taught her well.
Q&A with Samantha
How did you hear about Coastal?: We used to vacation in Myrtle Beach and a family friend attended CCU before I graduated high school.
Why did you come to Coastal?: The location, the exercise science program and the sense of community I felt while touring.
Favorite professor: Professor William Hensel
Favorite class: Exercise Science 205 or Nutrition 304
Favorite aspect of Coastal?: The amount of students that go to Coastal is a perfect number and the size of campus is not too big.
Favorite aspect of living in the Conway/Myrtle Beach area?: Being able to go to the beach whenever I want, also all of the local food options!
Clubs/Intramurals/other extracurricular activities involved in?: Colleges Against Cancer, Honors Program, National Honors Society, Teal Trailblazers (tour guide), intramural soccer.
Do you work anywhere currently (either on or off campus)?: I am a Teal Trailblazer (tour guide) and I serve on the Promotions Crew for the Myrtle Beach Pelicans organization.
Plans after graduation?: Work for a minor league baseball team full time or continue on to earn my master’s degree. Then, down the road, I would like to earn my Ph.D. in nutrition or exercise science.
What are your hobbies?: Hanging out with friends and family, working out, watching Netflix, going to the beach, eating, shopping.
Do you have any hidden talents?: I can dance! Tap is my favorite.
Bonus Info: I love meeting new people and creating relationships with others. I always have a smile on my face.