USA Baseball has announced the complete coaching staff for the 2026 Collegiate National Team Training Camp, a two‑week gathering that will take place from June 27 through July 4 in North Carolina and Virginia. The camp brings together fourteen seasoned mentors who will split their time between the Stars and Stripes squads, setting the stage for the upcoming World Collegiate Baseball Championship in Taiwan.
Stars and Stripes: A Dual‑Team Strategy
Dan Hartleb, the winningest head coach in University of Illinois history, will captain the Stars. He will be joined by Matt Hobbs, who wrapped up his eighth season as pitching coach at the University of Arkansas, and Jonathan Hernandez, the Southwestern Athletic Conference Coach of the Year for the second straight year. Tracy Smith and Tom Walter, each boasting more than three decades of collegiate experience, round out the staff alongside Carlos Muñoz. Together they contribute a combined century and a half of coaching expertise.
Stripes Leadership
Rick Eckstein will oversee the Stripes, assembling a crew that includes former Major League pitchers Brad Penny, Rick Ankiel, and David Eckstein, all of whom have tasted the big‑league stage and served on USA Baseball’s 18U staff in 2024 and 2025. Davin Pierre, now in his fifth year leading Grambling State, and Joe McGowan complete the lineup, bringing a mix of professional pedigree and program development.
Strategic Guidance
Adding a strategic layer, Mike Scioscia will serve in an advisory capacity, offering insight on player development and the philosophical underpinnings of the national program. His involvement is expected to help shape the long‑term growth of the camp participants.
Looking Toward Taiwan
The Stars will carry their newly forged coaching blend to Taichung City, Taiwan, where they will contest the World Collegiate Baseball Championship from July 11 to 15. The tournament will test the preparation achieved during the North Carolina and Virginia camp, with the ultimate goal of showcasing the depth of American collegiate talent on a global stage. A blend of legacy and fresh perspective defines this year’s staff, promising a competitive and instructive experience for the players who will wear the Stars and Stripes.