CARY, N.C. – At just 12 years old, Jett Schoolcraft has accomplished a lot on the diamond.

Already garnering a gold medal at the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) U-12 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier earlier in the year, Schoolcraft joins 35 other athletes vying for the chance to be named a part of the 2023 12U National Team at this week’s 12U National Team Training Camp in Cary, North Carolina. Team USA is set to compete at the WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup in July in Tainan, Taiwan, and if Schoolcraft hears his name at the end of Training Camp on Friday, it would be his second national team nod in just a two-month span.

Back in May, Schoolcraft played a major role for the national team during its gold medal run in Aguascalientes, Mexico. At the event, he batted .455 with 10 hits and 14 RBIs in nine appearances, including seven starts, and made two appearances out of the bullpen. In the gold medal game, he went 1-for-4 with two RBIs en route to Team USA’s 29-28 victory over Venezuela.

Although Schoolcraft stated the trip to Mexico was not his first time out of the country­–as he traveled to Taiwan when he was eight years old–he spoke of the differing atmospheres between the two countries. When competing in an international event, especially in the Central and South America regions, the environment can be hostile as the stadiums are packed with fans all cheering for the host team.

“It was a very electric atmosphere when you walked into the stadium. If you get out, everyone just goes crazy because they’re cheering against you.”

Despite the hostility, the stars and stripes managed to form a bond amongst the players and coaches which allowed them to go undefeated in the World Cup qualifier. Particularly in the gold medal game where Team USA erased an 11-run deficit in the sixth inning.

“We came together as one."

He also recalled that the team did not play as individuals, but rather united as they went on to walk off the game in the bottom of the seventh.

“Meeting new people, gaining new teammates, and having great coaches made the trip extra special. I’m thankful I got the opportunity to go play with the 12U National Team.”

Schoolcraft cherished the opportunity to travel to Mexico, but as Training Camp is now in full swing, he looks to continue what he started.

“A couple of my teammates are here right now, and if we can maybe go and do it again, that’d be pretty nice.”

Although the World Cup Americas Qualifier was back in May, Schoolcraft and his former teammates have not skipped a beat. Since playing again alongside one another for the last three days at Training Camp, they are looking forward to the possibility of doing it again on the international stage.

“We’ve been talking about what we might do if we’re reunited again.”

Although the final 18-man roster for the 12U National Team will not be released until Friday, Schoolcraft and his fellow prospects rejoice in making new friendships while playing the game they love.

If Jett Schoolcraft is chosen again, the goal is simple.

“Same thing,” he said. “Just being with new people trying to win a gold medal and bring back a gold medal for our country.”