The road to representing the United States on the international stage begins this summer, as some of college baseball’s brightest young stars prepare to compete under the guidance of an accomplished coaching staff.
USA Baseball has finalized the coaching staff for the 2026 Collegiate National Team Training Camp, assembling a group of 14 coaches with experience spanning collegiate, professional, and international baseball.
The staff will oversee 56 of the nation’s top non-draft-eligible players during training camp activities and a weeklong exhibition schedule from June 27 to July 4 across North Carolina and Virginia. As part of USA Baseball’s developmental format, the coaching staff will be divided between two teams, the Stars and Stripes squads, which will compete in a series of exhibition games leading up to the program’s annual Stars vs. Stripes series.
Following training camp, the Stars coaching staff will guide Team USA into international competition at the inaugural World Collegiate Baseball Championship in Taichung City, Taiwan, scheduled for July 11-15.
Rick Eckstein will manage the Stripes Team and will be joined by pitching coach Brad Penny, assistant coaches Rick Ankiel, David Eckstein and Davin Pierre, as well as bullpen coach Joe McGowan.
Joining manager Dan Hartleb on the Stars Team coaching staff are pitching coach Matt Hobbs, assistant coaches Jonathan Hernandez, Tracy Smith and Tom Walter, along with bullpen coach Carlos Muñoz.
Former MLB manager and three-time USA Baseball Professional National Team coach Mike Scioscia will serve in an advisory role during Training Camp. Drawing on decades of experience, Scioscia will provide guidance on player development, coaching strategies, and program standards while helping foster the long-term growth of both athletes and coaches.
In addition, Rob Shabansky, a nine-time USA Baseball national team coach, will serve as Team USA’s technical commissioner during the tournament. In that role, he will assist with baseball operations and ensure compliance with tournament rules and regulations.
With an experienced coaching staff in place and international competition on the horizon, the 2026 Collegiate National Team Training Camp will play a critical role in shaping Team USA’s roster as the program prepares for the inaugural World Collegiate Baseball Championship in Taiwan.
Photo Courtesy: USA Baseball Announces Collegiate National Team Training Camp Roster June 28, 2022
