The American teams

USA Destroyers Coach Lindsey Lashle

I’m an Ohio native and proud graduate of Cambridge High School, where I was a three-sport athlete, band trumpeter, and the 2016 valedictorian. I played two years at the University of Akron before finishing at Colorado School of Mines with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering.

I’ve had the privilege of competing in The Cup twice—first in 2016 with the Destroyers, reaching the semifinals against Roef, and again in 2024 when I returned to third base and loved every minute.

Today, I live in Castle Rock, Colorado, with my high-school sweetheart, Dana, and our cat, Cinder. We’re both engineers—me in manufacturing process engineering for microchip and optical connector assembly, and Dana in oil and gas.

Since finishing college ball, I’ve stayed close to the game as an umpire. I’m five years in and entering my second NCAA Division II season, with the goal of joining a Division I roster.

My encouragement: step outside your comfort zone daily. The trip is bigger than softball—embrace the cultures, food, and people.

West Coast Empire Coach Michele Dunagan

I was born and raised in the South, where sports were always a part of my life—softball, soccer, speed skating, and even street football with the boys. Competition shaped me into the athlete and coach I am today.

Now living in California, I’m a proud single mom of five (four boys and one girl), all active in sports. My twins especially keep me busy, competing in baseball and softball at a high level. Off the field, I own Baby Empire, a Newborn Specialist company helping families build confidence as new parents.

My coaching journey started with my kids, and when my daughter turned six, I found my true calling in softball. Since then, I’ve focused on building young athletes’ skills, confidence, and character. I currently coach my daughter’s travel team, and this will be my second year at The Cup—this time as head coach of a new West Coast team.

I can’t wait to see our girls compete internationally, reconnect with friends, and enjoy the adventure—especially crepes in Paris and fresh Stroopwafels!

Midwest AftershockCoach Jason Yakey

I’ve been involved in fastpitch softball for over 30 years as both a player and a coach. My journey began in 1994, right after my high school baseball career, when I started playing men’s fastpitch.

Not long after, I was asked to assist with an 18U women’s team—where I also met my future wife, JoAnn.

Through the late ’90s and 2000s, playing and coaching several nights a week became a big part of my life. When my daughters started playing, I began coaching their local league teams. As they grew, I saw a need in our community for a program that developed athletes beyond the recreational level. In 2017, I co-founded Midwest Aftershock Softball, a travel program focused on player growth.

Since then, it has grown to 10–12 teams annually and helped dozens of players move on to play in college. When I’m not on the field, JoAnn and I stay busy managing our farm in Illinois. This year will be my 4th trip to The Cup, and I’m excited to guide athletes through its incredible competition and cultural experience.

USA Impact Coach David Meier andCoach Jeroen ‘Skip’ van de Wiel

I was born and raised in Northern Kentucky and am the proud dad of three daughters—Alexa, Brooke, and Camdyn. Brooke and Camdyn both played in The Cup and loved the experience.

Professionally, I am a tax manager at a major hospital!

I played baseball at Thomas More College as a pitcher, first baseman, and outfielder, earning All-American honors and Conference Player of the Year. For the past 25 years, I’ve coached high school varsity baseball and softball with over 250 career wins, and I’m currently the varsity softball coach at Ryle High School. I also spent 12 years coaching travel ball with the NKY Bandits.

This will be my 6th Cup trip and 4th year as Head Coach of Team Impact. Some of my favorite memories include Euro Disney, Normandy, and the Anne Frank House.

Coach Jeroen ‘Skip’ van de Wiel

I’m 51 years old, married to Carola for 22 years - she’s older than me, and proud dad of Daniek (19) and I am from THE Netherlands.

I started coaching at 13 with tee-ball and youth baseball before moving into softball with my club, Roef!. Over the years, I’ve coached youth and senior softball, and participated many times at the Indoor Cup. My daughter, part of the national program, has twice played The Cup with American teams, and last year she was the winning pitcher in the final for Roef! She’ll compete with them again this year.

I founded the Brabant Bandits in 2008, teaching softball through winter programs, Little League, and talent development across southern Netherlands.

Highlights: Junior League World Series (2008), Nol Houtkamp Award (2016), The Cup Hall of Fame (2019), and Dutch U15 team manager (2024).

USA Glory - Coach Tayven Rousseau

I was born and raised just outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Softball has been a huge part of my life—I played for 18 years, including five seasons of Division I softball at Saint Francis University and Morgan State University, where I earned both my undergraduate and Master’s degrees.

Today, I stay connected to the game by coaching high school softball and giving one-on-one lessons to young athletes. Off the field, I love spending time with friends, exploring new coffee shops, baking desserts, and working out.

What excites me most about The Cup is the opportunity to meet and coach incredible young women from across the country—including a few athletes I’ve had the privilege to work with already. I love how this event unites players through the game we all share while giving them the chance to travel, experience new cultures, and create lifelong memories together.

I highly recommend this adventure—it’s more than softball, it’s about growth, friendships, and seeing the world in a whole new way.

Minnesota FrostCoach Haley McFarlane

I’m in my third year as a Head Coach at both the club and high school levels.

I earned my Master’s in Sports Management from St. Cloud State University in 2022, after playing Division II softball there from 2017 to 2021 on an athletic scholarship.

I grew up in Swisher, Iowa with my parents and three sisters. To pursue my dream of playing college softball in Minnesota, I joined the Minnesota Irish softball club, which opened the door to being recruited by SCSU—a decision that shaped both my playing and coaching journey.

Alongside coaching, I serve as the Assistant Athletic Director at St. Paul Central, the largest public high school in St. Paul. I’m passionate about building opportunities for student-athletes to succeed both on and off the field.

Fun fact: I’ve never been out of the country, so I’m beyond excited to use my passport for the very first time!

USA ChaosCoach Peter Katz

I’m Peter Katz, and I’m excited to be returning to Team CHAOS for my 9th Cup trip!

I was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA, where I was a three-sport athlete and later a collegiate wrestler. I’ve been married to my amazing wife, Colleen, for 30 years, and I’m always grateful for the “hall pass” she gives me every January to be part of this incredible event.

Softball has been a family adventure for us. My daughters, Grace and Claire, both played in The Cup and now work as a nurse and a teacher. My youngest, Trevor, used to joke about being left out—but he finally got to make his first trip to Europe this past summer.

Professionally, I spent 25 years in wine and spirits distribution and now serve as President of Iron City Distilling. My favorite Cup moment each year is the team photo at the Eiffel Tower, when players often tell me it’s the best experience of their lives.

I also love making lifelong friendships abroad—and yes, enjoying poffertjes, Iberian ham, herring, snails, and macarons along the way!

USA PrideCoach Michelle Brander Metiva

I’m entering my third season as head softball coach at Hope College, where I get to live out my lifelong passion for the game. Softball has been a huge part of my journey—I was named Miss Softball in 1999 at Jenison High School and went on to play at Central Michigan University, where I was honored as the Mid-American Conference Player of the Year in 2003. My playing career also took me overseas. From 2003–2004, I had the incredible opportunity to compete with the Dutch National Team, helping the Netherlands in both the Olympic Qualifying Tournament and the European Championships. Now as a coach, I bring the same drive and competitive spirit to developing my athletes—helping them grow not just in skill, but in confidence and character. Off the field, my husband Jeremy and I stay busy raising our two boys, Reed (11) and Grant (9), who are growing up surrounded by the game that has shaped so much of my life.