For the first time ever, Soldier Spects National has brought a 16U team to USA Baseball’s National Team Championships North Carolina, where 20 of the top programs in the country go head-to-head for gold. Built on a groundbreaking collaboration between seven elite travel ball clubs across the Midwest, the 28-player roster represents a powerful blend of talent and new-found chemistry.

The team is led by an experienced staff of club coaches, including Justin Gominsky, a former Houston Astros prospect who was named Minor League Defensive Player of the Year in 2012. Now guiding the 2027 class, Gominsky and his staff are focused on more than just wins, they’re building the next generation of passionate baseball stars. We caught up with the team to hear what this first trip to Champs NC means for the players, the coaches, and the growing legacy of Soldier Spects National.

Q: What does it mean to your team and your program to be competing at Champs for the first time?

A: “It means everything. Being able to be invited to this tournament, being able to play with the best teams in the country, being around all the Team USA scouts, around all the college scouts, it means a lot to our program. It means a lot to our players.”

Q: How did you prepare for an event of this caliber, and what has the experience been like so far?

A: “To be honest, it's really tough. You have seven clubs that come in together for Spects. So, we have seven of our partner clubs that combine from the Midwest. Preparing for the event is tough, but having to try to get the kids together, have them play as a team, can be challenging, but it's also rewarding in a lot of ways too.”

Q: As a first-time participant, how have your players responded to the level of play and national spotlight?

A: “Our players have been in the national spotlight for a while now. We've been a top four team at for the last two years, so they're used to this kind of spotlight. I just think coming out here and not trying to do too much can be challenging at times, but they're starting to settle in and you'll see a different team the next couple days.

Q: How would you describe the emotions of stepping onto the field here, knowing you're representing your program on a national stage?

A: “I think the feelings become a sense of pride of showing what Midwest baseball can do. It's a really good opportunity for kids to get out, get around better baseball and be around this type of atmosphere.”

Q: What goals or expectations did you bring into the tournament, and how are those shaping up now that you're here?

A: “Our goal has always been to come and win a championship, and for people to know that we're here. We're going to continue to play hard and do our best to show out well.”

Q: What are some of the biggest takeaways or learning moments you've seen from your team during the tournament so far?

A: “Again, I think it comes back to learning how to play with new players. You know, when you go to college, you have 34 new teammates you've never met before. So being able to come in, get acquainted with everybody, and play a high brand of baseball can be challenging, but it's also great for them to gain the experience for the next level.”

Q: How do you hope this experience helps shape the future of your program and your players moving forward?

A: “It definitely shows to the youth of our program that if you can go out, show well, play hard and do the right things, you have a chance to be able to play at the highest level.”

Q: What are you looking forward to the rest of the week, both on and off the field?

A: “On the field, just continuing and showing our brand of baseball. Off the field, getting to know the kids more. This is for the kids, not for us. So being able to get to know them better as we continue going to tournaments going into the fall is going to be important for us.”

Q: If you had to describe your team's culture to someone watching for the first time, what would you say?

A: “Yeah. Just a bunch of dirt bags and a bunch of grinders. These kids love to play baseball and they love being around high-level baseball.”