Key Takeaways
- Fourteen athletes are headed to Cuernavaca, Mexico for the 2026 NORCECA Pan American Cup (Aug. 9‑15).
- U.S. Men’s lineup mixes current college standouts, recent graduates, and returning veterans.
- Head Coach Andy Read leads a staff that includes 2008 Olympic gold medalists David Lee and Reed Priddy as assistants.
- Pool play begins Aug. 9 against Costa Rica; the U.S. shares its pool with Canada, Puerto Rico, and Trinidad Tobago.
- Competition history: The U.S. has five all‑time titles, most recent in 2012, and finished sixth last year, second in 2024.
- Support staff includes performance analyst Ethan Jenkins, physio Emma Stratmoen, and the full medical/management crew.
- Schedule: Six pool matches, multiple classification/quarter‑final, semifinal, and medal games spread across Aug. 9‑16.
Overview of the 2026 NORCECA Pan American Cup Campaign
The United States Men’s National Team is preparing for the 2026 NORCECA Pan American Cup, slated to take place in Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico from August 9 to August 16. The tournament will feature two competitive pools, with the U.S. placed alongside Canada, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, and Trinidad Tobago in one group. Head coach Andy Read will guide a roster of fourteen athletes who will open their campaign on Sunday, August 9 at 3 p.m. PT against Costa Rica. The opposing pool consists of Cuba, Curacao, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, and the host nation Mexico. This structure sets the stage for a tightly contested pool round that will determine advancement to classification, quarter‑final, semifinal, and ultimately medal matches.
Composition of the U.S. Men’s Roster
The 14‑player squad comprises a blend of collegiate talent, recent graduates, and seasoned national team veterans. Seven athletes are currently enrolled in NCAA programs: Jackson Cryst (Middle Block, 6‑10, Long Beach State), Kainoa Wade (Opposite, 6‑9, Hawai’i), Michael Wright (Setter, 6‑4, Richmond, Va., Ohio State), Sterling Foley (Outside Hitter, 6‑6, USC), Micah Wong Diallo (Middle Block, 6‑9, UCLA), Tread Rosenthal (Setter, 6‑9, Hawai’i), and Parker Tomkinson (Middle Block, 7‑0, USC). Additional roster members include Patrick Rogers and Cameron Thorne, who recently concluded their college careers, and veterans Jacob Reilly, Jacob Pasteur, Kyle Hobus, and Troy Gooch. The team also retains familiar faces such as Jacob Reilly, who was part of the 2025 Men’s Pan Am Cup roster, and Jacob Pasteur, who has contributed to the national team for the past two seasons. Seven of the fourteen players hail from the Southern California Southern Nevada region, underscoring a strong local pipeline.
Coaching and Support Staff
Andy Read serves as the Head Coach, bringing strategic experience and a high‑performance mindset to the squad. He will be assisted by David Lee and Reed Priddy, both 2008 gold medalists on the U.S. Men’s National Team, who provide expertise in technical development and game analysis. Performance Analyst Ethan Jenkins and Physiotherapist Emma Stratmoen round out the support crew, ensuring that athletes receive data‑driven insights and optimal physical care throughout the tournament. This blend of seasoned coaching and modern analytical support is intended to maximize preparation and in‑competition adjustments.
Roster Details and Positional Breakdown
The official roster is presented with player numbers, names, positions, heights, hometowns, collegiate affiliations, and USAV region designations. Highlights include a towering 7‑0 middle blocker in Parker Tomkinson, a versatile 6‑9 opposite in Kainoa Wade, and a strong setter presence with both Tread Rosenthal and Michael Wright. The outside hitter group features Sterling Foley and Jacob Reilly, while the libero position is covered by Troy Gooch and Jacob Reilly (listed twice due to historical entry). The setter pool consists of Sean Kelly and Tread Rosenthal, offering multiple options for orchestrating the offense. This depth across all positions equips the U.S. team to adapt to varied opponents and tactical demands.
Pool Play Schedule and Matchups
The competition schedule outlines the sequential flow of matches. The United States will face Costa Rica at 3 p.m. PT on August 9, Puerto Rico on August 11, Trinidad Tobago on August 12, and Canada on August 13, all streamed in Pacific Daylight Time. Following pool completion on August 14, classification and quarter‑final matches will be contested, leading into semifinals on August 15 and medal matches on August 16. This tightly packed schedule emphasizes the need for consistent performance, rapid turnaround, and effective recovery strategies.
Historical Context and Competitive Ambitions
The United States has a storied history in the NORCECA Pan American Cup, boasting five championship titles, the most recent in 2012. After a sixth‑place finish in the previous edition and a runner‑up result in 2024, the current roster is driven to reclaim a podium spot. The experience of returning veterans, combined with the fresh energy of current collegiate stars, creates a balanced attack aimed at restoring the team’s former dominance. The coaching staff’s emphasis on disciplined execution and strategic adaptability reflects the ambition to contend for the gold medal.
Preparation, Logistics, and Team Dynamics
Preparations for the tournament have involved intensive training sessions, analytical reviews, and physical conditioning. The U.S. athletes have been gathering in Southern California facilities before traveling to Mexico, allowing them to acclimate to the venue’s environment. Team dynamics emphasize communication, mutual accountability, and a shared commitment to the tournament objectives. By integrating performance analytics from Ethan Jenkins and ensuring robust physio support through Emma Stratmoen, the team seeks to minimize injury risk and maintain peak athletic condition throughout the demanding schedule. The combined focus on technical skill, tactical nuance, and physical readiness positions the U.S. squad to compete effectively against regional powerhouses.