U-23 Men’s National Team Coaching Staff announced for 2024 WBSC Americas Qualifier

OKLAHOMA CITY (June 14, 2024) — USA Softball has announced the Coaching Staff selected to guide the U.S. U-23 Men’s National Team (MNT) at the 2024 World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) Americas Qualifier slated for later this year. Chosen by the Men’s National Team Selection Committee (MNTSC), Tony Aresco will lead the U-23 MNT as head coach, joined by assistant coaches Avon Meacham and Bob Piddock.

“I’m incredibly excited and humbled for the opportunity to lead the U-23 Men’s National Team and the chance to compete and represent the U.S. on the highest stage,” said Aresco. “Our coaching staff of myself, Bob Piddock and Avon Meacham brings a lot of experience, and we are thrilled to bring the U-23 Men’s team to the international stage for the first time in history. I expect our program to make the USA proud on and off the field with consistent excellence,” he added. “I’m very grateful to the USA Softball staff and the Men’s National Team Selection Committee for this opportunity.”

The trio recently achieved a historic feat by guiding the U-18 MNT to a gold medal finish at the 2023 WBSC Americas Qualifier, marking the first medal won by a U-18 MNT roster in over 35 years, while also punching their ticket to the 2024 WBSC U-18 Men’s World Cup. Under Aresco’s leadership during the 2023 season, the U-18 MNT secured its second-highest finish in World Cup history with fourth place while signifying the first medal game appearance for the Red, White and Blue in 34 years. Adding to the squad’s resume, Aresco previously served as an assistant coach with the 2018 and 2020 Junior Men’s National Team (JMNT). Meacham garners a stacked resume including seasons spent with the 2009 and 2013 MNT, while Piddock previously served as an assistant coach for the JMNT in 2018 and head coach in 2020.

The U-23 WBSC Americas Qualifier is set to take place later this year and will serve as a qualifying event for the WBSC U-23 Men’s World Cup in 2026. Additional event details and roster selections will be announced at a later date.

In 2023, the U-23 MNT competed in a series of exhibition games against Canada in Vero Beach, Fla. in its first year of competition. If any athlete born between 2001-2004 has any interest in being considered for the U-23 MNT, please fill out the Player Information form linked here.

For more information on the U.S. Men’s National Team program, visit USASoftball.com.