(photo via sacbee.com)

Casey Taylor, the head coach of Capital Christian High School (Sacramento, California), will lead the United States’ Under-17 National Team during the 2018 International Bowl Series in January.

The annual weeklong event is comprised of practices and games of multiple countries’ top high school-aged student-athletes (U-15, U-16, U-17, U-18 and U-19) in international football’s premiere amateur competition. The 2018 International Bowl location and game schedule, as well as player rosters and complete coaching staffs will be announced in the coming months.

USA Football, a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee, manages U.S. national teams for international play.

Prior to kickoff at Capital Christian’s road game against crosstown rival Grant High School on Friday, USA Football will present Taylor with a U.S. National Team helmet as its next U-17 head coach.

Taylor was named head coach of Capital Christian this past January following a successful 15-year tenure as head coach at Del Oro High School (Loomis, California). Taylor led the Del Oro Golden Eagles to a 149-50 (.749) record, encompassing 14 playoff appearances, six CIF Sac-Joaquin Section championships and a state title in 2015. 

“It’s a great honor to coach some of our country’s top football talent and to represent the United States on a world stage,” Taylor said. “There is a rich tradition of success with the U.S. National Team, and I look forward to continuing that tradition as the sport continues to grow internationally.”

“Coach Taylor is a proven winner and educator who gets the very best out of his student-athletes,” said Aaron Ingram, USA Football senior manager of national teams. “He’ll represent the United States with class and dignity, and we’re excited to have him lead our U-17 National Team at the International Bowl.”

U.S. National Team head coach alumni include Gabe Infante (Philadelphia St. Joseph’s Prep), Chuck Kyle (Cleveland St. Ignatius), Chris Merritt (Miami Christopher Columbus), Jason Mohns (Scottsdale [Arizona] Saguaro), Kenny Sanchez (Las Vegas Bishop Gorman), Steve Specht (Cincinnati St. Xavier), and Tom Westerberg (Barbers Hill [Texas]).

U.S. National Team alumni include wide receiver Corey Coleman (Cleveland Browns), running back Todd Gurley (Los Angeles Rams), defensive back Tyrann Mathieu (Arizona Cardinals), offensive lineman Jack Mewhort (Indianapolis Colts), running back Samaje Perine (Washington Redskins), defensive end Stephon Tuitt (Pittsburgh Steelers) and quarterback Jameis Winston (Tampa Bay Buccaneers).