OKLAHOMA CITY — USA Softball announced today the rosters set to represent the U.S. at the 2026 edition of Border Battle and Slow Pitch Showdown this summer. Slated to take place June 18-20 in Winesburg, Ohio, the Men’s and Women’s Slow Pitch National Teams, along with the Men’s and Women’s Futures, will each carry a 13/14-player roster with a total of 15 athletes putting on the Red, White and Blue for the first time in their careers.
Created in 2009, the annual Border Battle enters its 16th season of international matchups between USA Softball and Canada Slow Pitch National Teams with this year’s event taking place at Winesburg Park in Winesburg, Ohio. The action will kick off with exhibition contests ahead of the annual Slow Pitch Showdown where the Men’s Slow Pitch National Team (MSPNT) and Women’s Slow Pitch National Team (WSPNT) will face off against their respective U.S. Futures teams. Capping the weekend, Team USA will matchup against Team Canada for the Men’s and Women’s Border Battle XVI competition scheduled for Saturday, June 20.
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Comprised of 14 athletes from 10 different states, the 2026 WSPNT is stacked with elite experience as 12 veteran athletes return to the Border Battle competition in addition to two rookies – Chelsea Davis (Fla.) and Eliyah Flores (Calif.) – who join the squad for the first time in their careers. “Being entrusted to coach the USA Women’s Slow Pitch National Team is something I don’t take lightly—it’s a true honor,” said head coach Don Cooper (Wash.), who will lead the WSPNT for the ninth-straight year alongside returning assistant coaches Shannon Cooper (Wash.) and Tammy Higginbotham (Wash.). “This team is prepared, focused and excited for the opportunity ahead. Playing in Ohio in front of expected record crowds makes this stage even bigger, and we’re ready to rise to it,” added Cooper.
The Women’s Futures introduces nine new athletes to the squad, while four veterans return to the field with the 13-player roster hailing from 10 different states. At the helm of the Women’s Futures team for the fourth time in his career is head coach Ted Carter (Ky.). Joining Carter and completing the 2026 Women’s Futures coaching staff are returning assistant coaches Shannon Ellingsworth (Ky.) and Mandy Hollman (Ky.). “It’s an honor and rewarding experience to coach the 2026 Women’s Futures team in the Border Battle with Canada again. I appreciate the opportunity that USA Softball gives to women’s softball, and to coach amazing and talented female athletes is truly a great experience while representing the USA in this prestigious event,” said Carter.
Click here to view the 2026 USA Softball Women’s Slow Pitch and Futures Team rosters »
Loaded with veteran talent, the 2026 MSPNT features 13 returners, highlighted by 13-time Border Battle competitor Travis Clark, along with long-time MSPNT members Jeremy Yates (9x) and Andrew Collins (7x). Leading the MSPNT is National Softball Hall of Famer, Brett Helmer (N.Y.), who will return for his eighth-straight year as the MSPNT head coach, while Tim Barnes (Texas) will return as an assistant coach for the ninth time in his career. “The selection committee did an outstanding job picking this team! I can’t wait to get them on the field and get to work,” noted Helmer. “I think this will be the best defensive team we’ve ever had. We have several athletes that can play a multitude of positions which gives us incredible flexibility. The offense is stacked with athletes that can hit for power and from line to line. This event can’t get here soon enough!”
The Men’s Futures team carries a mixture of talent and experience from 12 different states as nine veterans return to the roster and four rookies prepare for their debut in the Red, White and Blue. “There is no greater honor in our sport than having the opportunity to coach your country’s team,” said 2026 Men’s Futures head coach, Rob Humphrey (Iowa), who returns to the U.S. coaching staff for the 11th-straight year. “Being entrusted with the USA Futures Team is something I will always consider a true blessing. I want to sincerely thank USA Softball and Brett Helmer for giving me this opportunity once again,” he added. Alongside Humphrey in Ohio will be returning assistant coach Nick Shaw who joined the coaching staff in 2024.
Click here to view the 2026 USA Softball Men’s Slow Pitch and Futures Team rosters »
Athletes are selected to represent the United States as a member of a Slow Pitch National Team roster based on grassroots participation. For more information on the USA Softball Men’s and Women’s Slow Pitch National Teams program and to learn about the history of the Border Battle, please visit USASoftball.com.
To learn more about Winesburg, Ohio, check out VisitWinesburgOhio.com.