Balancing Baseball, Business, and Education with LSU Online

For many student-athletes, finding the balance between sports, school, and career development can feel overwhelming. But for Kale Emshoff, a professional baseball player with the Texas Rangers and owner of the sports apparel company Seams Apparel, the online LSU Master of Science in Leadership & Human Resource Development (MS in LHRD) program provided the flexibility and tools he needed to excel in all areas of his life. While competing on the field, he also sharpened his leadership skills in the classroom and applied what he learned directly to his career and business. 

Meet Kale Emshoff 

1. What initially made you apply to the online MS in LHRD from LSU?

I wanted to keep learning and growing while still being able to play baseball. LSU’s program gave me the flexibility to do that and it matched my interest in leadership and development. 

2. What were your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?

Balancing school with my baseball career was the hardest part. I overcame it by sticking to a schedule and staying disciplined with my time. 

3. What was your favorite course or topic? Why?

Anything leadership-focused. I liked learning how to work with different types of people and how to bring out the best in them. 

4. Can you share a specific example of how you applied what you learned?

I used a lot of what I learned when coaching younger players—how to communicate better and build trust. 

5. How has the program helped you achieve your career goals?

It’s given me tools I can use in whatever I do—whether it’s sports, business, or leadership roles. 

6. What do you see as the biggest benefits of an online education?

Flexibility. I could work on assignments from anywhere, even on the road during the season. 

7. How do you see yourself using your degree in the future?

I see it helping me lead teams, manage people, and grow businesses. 

8. What skills or knowledge from the program have been most valuable in your job?

Communication, leadership strategies, and understanding how people learn and grow. 

9. How has your experience as a professional athlete influenced your approach to leadership and learning in the MS LHRD program?

Being an athlete taught me discipline, teamwork, and how to handle pressure—all of which carried over into my studies. 

10. What role did the MS LHRD program play in helping you grow your business, Seams Apparel?

It helped me understand people better—both customers and my team—and how to set goals and build a strong brand culture. 

Shape Your Future with LSU Online 

The online Master of Science in Leadership & Human Resource Development from LSU empowers students to grow as leaders, no matter where life takes them. With flexible learning made available through LSU Online, you can balance education with your career, family, and passions while gaining the skills needed to lead teams and organizations effectively. 

Explore the online MS in LHRD program or the online MS in LHRD with a concentration in Workforce Development, and apply today!