CARY, N.C. – This week at the National Training Complex in Cary, North Carolina, the nation’s top 17-and-under players will compete in front of the college and pro scouts, and USA Baseball Task Force.

If they impress, some players might end up realizing a lifelong dream and playing for future USA Baseball national team or in one of its development programs.

But for a trio of East Cobb Astros, that dream has already come true.

Dylan Cupp, Termarr Johnson, and Kaden Martin all already have experience with USA Baseball programming. This year, however, they are looking to catch more eyes this week at the 17U National Team Championships North Carolina.

Each of their USA Baseball experiences have both inspired and driven them to continue to develop as baseball players. The opportunity to learn and grow as USA Baseball players – along with the chance to represent their country on an international stage – is a key motivator.

Cupp, an infielder who was a member of the 2018 14U National Team Development Program (NTDP), cited that summer as one of growth, both on and off the field.

“It was super cool taking part in that,” Cupp said. “That was really the first time being all on my own and I grew a lot from it. Being around everybody involved with that program was super cool.”

The NTDP serves as a program to give some of the nation’s best youth players a national team-like experience, helping them develop their baseball skills. The players undergo evaluation and play against one another in a series of Stars and Stripes games.

Cupp, who homered in Wednesday’s 12-1 win against USA Prime National, is aware of the importance of these programs.

“That’s pretty much the top of the food chain right now,” the Mississippi State commit said. “Playing with ‘USA’ across your chest can be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It almost feels bigger than baseball.”

Johnson, an infielder, also participated in the 2018 14U NTDP, and after a strong performance, the Atlanta native parlayed it into a spot on the 2019 15U National Team. Contributing on the international stage was an experience has stuck with Johnson, who earned All-Tournament honors at the 2019 World Baseball Softball Confederation U-15 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier.

“It was great to be playing baseball in another country and playing against other countries,” Johnson said. “Competing for my country shows a lot of pride and it was just a blessing. Our entire team and coaching staff were great and I wouldn’t trade the world for it.”

Johnson led the U.S. in runs and stolen bases that summer. He had two multi-hit games, and hit one of the team’s three triples in the tournament. Now, he’s looking to continue to stand out with his team this week at National Team Championships North Carolina.

“We just want to win,” Johnson said. “Obviously, all the guys want to get identified. Our team is a really great group and everyone here is good enough to get identified.”

Martin, who hails from Redondo Beach, California, joined Cupp and Johnson with the 2018 14U NTDP. The left-handed outfielder recalls the experience as a learning opportunity, as he was able to take advice from top players and coaches country-wide.

“It was a really great experience,” Martin said. “Representing your country and also learning so much from so many different coaches was important. I got so much information at a young age and it has carried on over the last couple years.”

Martin, who is committed to play collegiately at the University of Miami, felt a strong sense of camaraderie when wearing the U.S. across his chest.

“Everyone says baseball is an individual sport,” Martin continued. “But being out there with those guys and wearing the ‘U.S.’ across your chest just makes you want to be more of a team player and do whatever it takes to win.”

Cupp, Johnson, and Martin have all realized the dream of wearing their country’s letters across their chest on a baseball field.

But this week at 17U National Team Championships North Carolina, they’re just looking to compete and earn an opportunity to once again represent their country.

“It’s great to know that people are looking at you,” Johnson said. “But you have to keep giving 110-percent every time you step on the field.”