Gaston College coach gets "homecoming trip" as Team USA softball assistant coach

Gaston College softball coach Mike Steuerwald has been involved with Team USA Softball Women's National Team for five years and just worked as an assistant coach for a series of games with that team in Japan.

But Steuerwald admits that being a Team USA assistant for the upcoming 2022 Pan American Championships in Guatemala City, Guatemala is different.

It's because he'll be visiting family since his mother Rosie was born in Guatemala before she moved to the U.S. in the 1970s.

"It's a huge honor anytime you get to coach with Team USA. This trip is a little extra special since my mom (Rosie) is from Guatemala. So I get a chance to go back to where my mom was born and coach in front of some family members."

Steuerwald is again an assistant to head coach Heather Tarr (University of Washington Softball head coach) and assistant alongside Brian Kolze (University of the Pacific head coach).

Steuerwald and his family moved to Wisconsin where his mother earned her U.S. citizenship in 1991.

"Again, it's always special to coach with the Team USA but this trip is a little extra special since my mom is from Guatemala," Steuerwald said. "Also, to compete with some really good coaches and players for a gold medal is always exciting."

The Nov. 12-19 event will allow teams to qualify for 2024 World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) World Cup.

Steuerwald is beginning his second year as Gaston College coach and the Rhinos are currently playing their inaugural fall schedule.