Our Inspiration

Coach Keith LeClair

Keith LeClair was more than a baseball coach.

He was a leader, mentor, husband, father, and friend whose influence extended far beyond the baseball field.

Coach LeClair served as the head baseball coach at both Western Carolina University and East Carolina University, helping build championship-caliber programs while impacting generations of players through his leadership, character, faith, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

At Western Carolina, he helped elevate the Catamount baseball program and left a lasting impact on student-athletes, including future BEAT ALS founder Matt Stillwell.

At East Carolina, he transformed the Pirates into one of the nation's premier college baseball programs and became one of the most respected coaches in the game.

Then, at the height of his coaching career, Coach LeClair was diagnosed with ALS.

Rather than allowing the disease to define him, he faced every challenge with courage, determination, humility, and grace.

His fight inspired countless players, coaches, families, and friends across the country.

For Matt Stillwell, Coach LeClair's example became a lifelong source of inspiration and a reminder that true leadership is measured not by victories, but by how we respond to adversity.

Today, his legacy continues to guide everything we do at BEAT ALS.