To help keep everyone healthy and on the field USA Select has a Athletic Trainer with us as we travel:

Don Mitchell - USA Select Director of Operations

As Director of Baseball Operations, Don Mitchell brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Baseball Division as a player, talent evaluator and agent. He enjoyed an outstanding college baseball career and was named to the All-Gulf South Conference team as a third baseman in 1980-81, at University of Tennessee at Martin . He signed with the Cincinnati Reds in September of 1981, and played three years in the Reds’ minor league system. After scouting assignments in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Pittsburgh and Atlanta, Don joined the expansion Arizona Diamondbacks’ organization in the summer of 1995, as their Scouting Director. Don was responsible for evaluating talent, negotiating contracts and dealing with agents as well as general mangers. He has been directly involved with over 500 player contracts. During his four year tenure in Arizona, 36 of the players he scouted have been named on Major League rosters. In 1999, Don left the Diamondbacks to start GAAMES, a representation firm for baseball players. During his tenure at GAAMES, Don built numerous relationships and an outstanding client roster. Don graduated from the University of Tennessee at Martin with a degree in Civil Engineering.

Jerry Thaut - USA Select Instructor
Jerry Thaut comes to USA Select from the State of Washington where as a high school coach he accumulated over a 70% winning percentage.  He was twice named Conference Coach of the Year and North Central Washington State Coach of the Year.  His high school team won the Big School State Championship in 1981 and Jerry was recently inducted into the Moses Lake High School Hall of Fame for his athletic and coaching achievements. Jerry has also had outstanding success in summer baseball appearing in 3 Babe Ruth Baseball World Series, winning 2 National Championships and one 4th Place finish.  He has coached in two AAU World Series placing 3rd and 5th place, as well as winning a Cal Ripkin U10 State Championship.  It is to Jerry's credit 14 of his players have signed professional contracts. In 1998 Jerry was selected as the Head Coach for the Babe Ruth Baseball USA National team.  He has also been an Associate Scout for the Arizona Diamondbacks. Jerry has an extensive background in coaching baseball at all age levels. 

Alex Cherney - Head Coach Scottsdale Community College
USA Select Instructor
After five seasons as the top Assistant Coach under Ed Yeager, Coach Cherney was named Scottsdale's head coach when Coach Yeager announced his retirement in June 2005. Coach Cherney came to the SCC baseball program after spending three years as an assistant at South Mountain Community College. Coach Cherney played collegiately at Beloit College, lettering four times and making the All-Conference team on three occasions. He graduated from Beloit in 1997 with his Bachelors degree in history, and graduated from Arizona State University with a Master's degree in physical education. Born in Sacramento, California, Coach Cherney was raised in Phoenix, and currently resides in Scottsdale