For JD Pruitt, the baseball field has always been more than just a diamond. It’s been a classroom, a testing ground, and a place to help young athletes become better versions of themselves. That philosophy has shaped every step of his coaching journey, and now, it’s led him to his next challenge: serving as an assistant coach for the 2025 USA Baseball 15U National Team.
While this summer marks Pruitt’s official debut on a national team coaching staff, he’s no stranger to the red, white, and blue. Over the years, he’s coached at nearly every level of USA Baseball’s developmental pipeline — from the 13U/14U Athlete Development Program (ADP) to the 15U National Team Training Camp staff. Through those experiences, he’s built a reputation for teaching with intent, leading with energy, and connecting deeply with athletes from all walks of life.
Now, he’s set to take that passion and expertise to the international stage.
“Anytime you get to represent your country is a blessing. Early on in my life, I wanted to serve in the military or in some capacity, so having the opportunity to do it on this stage is an incredible opportunity.”
But before the coaching staff takes the field overseas, there’s a critical task ahead: selecting the 20-man roster that will represent the United States. That evaluation process is underway this week at 15U National Team Training Camp, which is currently being held at the USA Baseball National Training Complex in Cary, North Carolina.
Forty-four of the nation’s top 15U players have gathered in Cary, all with one goal: to earn a roster spot. For Pruitt and the rest of the staff, the days are long, full, and packed with development sessions in the morning and intense intrasquad games each afternoon. But it’s during these moments, under pressure and in the grind, where the staff begins to see the qualities that separate good players from great teammates.
“You start to split hairs when you’re evaluating these guys. They’re all really good and will be playing baseball for a really long time. We have to be more selective to give us the best shot at taking home the gold.”
As he patrols the field during drills or sits behind the plate during scrimmages, Pruitt’s presence is steady and observant. He’s not just evaluating mechanics or stat lines — he’s watching how players respond to adversity, how they carry themselves in the dugout, and how they interact with teammates between innings.
“One of the things JD does so well is building trust with players,” said Ben Kelley, USA Baseball’s 15U National Team Program Director. “He knows how to challenge them, how to push them, but also how to support them. That balance is what makes him such a strong developmental coach — and a huge asset to this team.”
Pruitt’s ability to relate to young athletes stems from his own journey through the game. A former player himself, he brings both a competitive edge and a teacher’s mindset to his coaching. He’s seen the game from every angle — and he uses those experiences to meet players where they are to truly appreciate the game.
“If I could tell the guys anything, it would be to really enjoy themselves and the process. There are a lot of other athletes that would do anything to be in their position, and they need to understand that. They’re really fortunate to be in the position they are in.”
This year’s 15U Training Camp group is as competitive as ever, which makes decisions difficult, but also ensures the team will be ready to compete internationally. Pruitt knows the type of player it takes to win at that level: one who doesn’t just play the game well but plays it the right way.
When the final 20 players are selected at the end of Training Camp, Pruitt will help shift the team’s focus to preparation by studying opponents, fine-tuning execution, and building chemistry among a group that will be asked to bond quickly and compete with intensity. The international stage offers both challenges and opportunities: a new culture, unfamiliar environments, and a global spotlight.
But for Pruitt, that’s part of the excitement.
“I’m looking forward to watching our team grow as a whole. There are a lot of people who have sacrificed everything for this country, so it carries greater significance. I have a lot of people in my life who have served so it means more. To represent this country is the greatest honor.”
After years of pouring into others through the game of baseball, Pruitt now finds himself on the edge of an experience that’s both a professional milestone and a personal dream. And while the setting may be new, the mission stays the same: develop, compete, and make a lasting impact on the next generation.
