NEW STAFF STRUCTURE FOR NATIONAL TEAM PROGRAM
[EDEN PRAIRIE, MN, August 17, 2026] — As part of its efforts to build more international success, USA Curling has introduced a new coaching structure for its High Performance Program under the leadership of High Performance Director Brad Gushue.
The updated model is designed to provide athletes and team coaches with consistent, tailored support while creating a collaborative coaching environment that strengthens the program from top to bottom.
The staff under Gushue will include National Team Coaches Cathy Overton-Clapham, Joe Polo, and Chris Plys, with Theran Michaelis joining as Head of Analytics & Scouting. A pod approach will see responsibilities for the National Team Program teams divided across Overton-Clapham, Polo, and Plys, with Michaelis providing insights across the entire program.
Each team in the National Team Program will also have its own dedicated team coach. National Team Coaches will work closely with team coaches throughout the season, to develop best practices, provide technical knowledge, and bring a unified approach to the program.
"This pod structure allows us to better support both our athletes and our coaches," said Brad Gushue, USA Curling High Performance Director. "By pairing National staff with each team's coach, we're creating an environment where ideas are shared, coaches continue to grow, and athletes receive the highest level of support possible."
The National Team coaches bring elite competition and coaching experience to the program.
Overton-Clapham won five Canadian titles, and was a World Women’s champion in 2008. As a coach, she has produced impressive results, and was on the bench for historic silver medal won by Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin at the 2026 Games. She also coached Team Peterson through the last quad and an impressive 2025-26 season, winning the U.S. Olympic Team Trials, earning a berth in the Games at the Olympic Qualification event, and posting a best-ever finish by an American women’s team at an Olympics, just missing out on a bronze medal.
Plys, a two-time Olympian and one of the most decorated American curlers, brings recent experience competing at the highest levels of the sport, playing with Team Shuster for the last eight seasons before announcing his retirement from competition following the 2026 World Men’s Curling Championship. During his time as a player, he also found time to coach American teams at some international events.
Polo, a winner of Olympic bronze in 2006 and Olympic gold in 2018, is recognized as one of the most complete players in the game. He retired from elite-level play following the 2021-22 season, when he played Third for Team Dropkin, finishing second at the Team Trials and representing the country at the 2022 World Men’s Championship. He has remained active in the game, working with emerging players at his home club in Duluth and filling in for teams on Tour. Joe brings extensive international playing experience, technical expertise, and an understanding of the importance of team dynamics.
Michealis, the coach of Team Shuster over the last quadrennial, also worked extensively with the men’s, women’s, and mixed doubles teams at the 2026 Games and the Olympic Qualification Event in December of 2025. He will provide actionable data that will help teams identify strengths and weaknesses, determine optimal strategic approaches, and make adjustments for better outcomes.
Under Gushue’s leadership, the National Team staff will work across the sport in the United States and also support Phill Drobnick, Director of Competitions & Coaching, to further develop the USA Curling coaching curriculum and approach developing players.
About USA Curling
Founded in 1958 and headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, USA Curling is the National Governing body for the Olympic sport of curling and the Paralympic sport of wheelchair curling in the United States. The mission of USA Curling is to grow, strengthen, and advocate for the Olympic and Paralympic sport of curling in the United States by prioritizing accessibility and programmatic development from grassroots to podium. USA Curling is sponsored by Columbia Sportswear, the Dale’s family of beers, Twin Cities Orthopedics, Training HAUS, Ice, Sports & Solar (ISS), Rock Solid Productions, Jet Ice, and Laurie Artiss. USA Curling is a proud member of World Curling and the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee. To learn more, visit usacurling.org.
