Charles Lachman came to KU from Plano, Texas, looking for a great education. What he found was an experience that helped him build leadership skills, create new opportunities for others, and feel completely at home.

 

 

As a sport management major with a psychology minor, Charles has challenged himself on campus to build a foundation for his future career in coaching. In only two years on campus, he has become a student ambassador, co-hosted a radio podcast, and taken on leadership roles in Jewish student life.

Charles also founded and now coaches KU’s competitive pickleball travel team. From running practices, training and drilling players, securing corporate sponsorships for gear and funding, and building a program designed to last well beyond his time at KU, he is seizing every opportunity to make the most of his time here.

Coming to KU from out of state or from a far corner of Kansas? Read more of our No Place Like KU series to see how students from all over found their place here.

Q: Tell us a little about you, and something unexpected you’ve gained from your time at KU.

A: I came from Plano, Texas to KU to be a great student and earn myself a degree, but what I've gained is ambition, courage, self-awareness, internal peace, and the ability to build myself a future with success in all areas of my life.

Q: What made KU the right choice for you, considering your in-state school options?

A: KU was the right choice to me due to all of the opportunities it presented - such as numerous clubs and organizations that featured my biggest interests with great leadership, a religious community for me to make valuable relationships in, opportunities to play sports competitively but not make those sports the centerpiece of my life, a ton of networking opportunities, and a beautiful campus.

Q: What first put KU on your radar when you were deciding where to go to college?

A: I used to come to Kansas and Missouri every year for vacation to see family when I was younger, and I fell in love with the Midwest. I originally wanted to pursue teaching, and KU has a great education program. They also had numerous clubs and organizations that piqued my interest and showed me that I could be a great student here, while also focusing and building on my interests.

Q: What are your major involvements on campus?

A: I definitely challenge myself academically — I’m not here for an easy ride. Outside of class, I’m a Student Ambassador, and I’m the founder, president, and coach of KU’s pickleball travel team. I’ve also been involved with the club tennis and ping pong teams, and I co-host a podcast on KJHK, the campus radio station, called Social Media Sobriety.

I’m extremely grateful for the community I have here, too, and I’m immersed in Jewish life on campus. I’m very involved in our Chabad, a Jewish organization where I can take classes, study, and celebrate Shabbat every week. I actually met my podcast co-host at a Jewish event. He's my best friend and roommate now, and at first we just talked about not having social media, and now that’s the theme of our podcast! 

Q: Can you share a little more about founding the pickleball team? 

A: I’m the founder, president, and coach of KU’s pickleball travel team. I drill and train the team, run practices, push players to be their best, and sign corporate sponsorship deals to secure money, gear, paddles and balls. I’m focused on contracts that will ensure we are building a program that lasts long after I graduate — not just for myself, but for KU students, the university, and the city of Lawrence.

Q: How has being a Student Ambassador impacted you?

A: I love showing prospective students how they can be the best version of themselves at KU. It’s a full-circle moment because meeting with a Student Ambassador is what made me choose KU.

Q: How has KU helped you prepare for your future career? Have you had any internships, research opportunities, or networking experiences? 

A: KU has really helped me prepare me for my future career by providing me access to internships, research opportunities, networking experiences, resume and professional development assistance, and more. 

The biggest assistance has come from my professors. Going to each and every one of my professors sometime in the first two weeks of the semester helps me to be viewed as more than just a student, and once a professor really knows me outside of the classroom, I find it very easy to gain tips and tricks from them.

From relationships with professors and involvement with clubs, I've been able to attend several events with a multitude of professional sport organizations present (such as the Royals, KC Current, Sporting KC, etc.). I've gained opportunities to connect with several KU alumni and have cultivated relationships with them, and I've even connected with people who work for NFL Network, ESPN, the Chiefs, the Mavericks, and more.

Q: What is something unique about KU that you wouldn’t have experienced at an in-state school?

A: There is something about going somewhere where you know absolutely no one. That was KU for me. I didn't know a single person. Although it was very nerve-racking at times, it was also incredibly exciting. 

Coming to KU from out of state gave me the opportunity to become more independent than I was previously and feel like much more of an adult. I was also forced to build connections and relationships, and the process of putting myself out there in order to be successful was incredibly exhilarating.

Q: What are three words you’d use to describe KU, and why? 

A: Enriching, transformative, and idyllic. KU has done nothing less than transform my life and not just find myself, but create a version of myself that I wish to find. I've found so many activities, organizations, classes, and opportunities I've involved myself in to be incredibly enriched with long lasting benefits, and the campus scenery is idyllic — it always finds a way to bring me peace.

Q: Lawrence is a unique college town. What are your favorite spots, and what makes it so special? 

A: My favorite spots in Lawrence are Jefferson's for Chiefs games, Red Pepper for food, and Sports Pavilion Lawrence for various sports. On campus, my favorite spots are the Anschutz Library to study, the DeBruce Center for food, and overall, nothing beats Jayhawk Boulevard.

My favorite thing about living in Lawrence is that it's a hybrid town. It's not quite a college town, but also not a big city. While KU might make up a large part of the culture of Lawrence, KU wouldn't be KU without Lawrence. Additionally, I love knowing that Kansas City and its metroplex are only an hour away.

Q: What advice would you give future Jayhawks about getting involved?

A: I tell anyone who asks: the more you put in, the more you get out. Meet your professors in the first two weeks, introduce yourself, and build relationships. Opportunities come from connections.