DROBNICK TAKES ON NEW ROLE AT USA CURLING, NAMED DIRECTOR OF COACHING & COMPETITIONS
[EDEN PRAIRIE, MN, May 12, 2026] — Phill Drobnick has been a fixture on USA Curling coach benches at international events for over two decades, with highlights that include the 2018 Men’s gold medal won by Team Shuster and the 2026 Mixed Doubles silver medal earned by Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin.
With the start of a new quadrennial, Drobnick has made the decision to step back from working directly with teams, and assumes the role of Director, Coaching & Competitions.
In this position, he will be responsible for developing and delivering a coaching curriculum that provides dedicated coaches at all levels with the information and tools to help them succeed. He will also take on responsibility for competitive integrity and field-of-play issues across all USA Curling national championships.
“It has been the honor of a lifetime to work with so many talented athletes over the years,” Drobnick said. “After a successful 2026 Games and the extensive preparation that went into that effort, I feel like this is a good time to use what I have learned to work with all coaches and elevate what USA Curling offers them.”
“I am excited the organization will continue to benefit from Phill’s talents,” said USA Curling CEO Dean Gemmell. “He has shown his ability to coach teams to international success, and I look forward to seeing his knowledge shared with coaches at every level of the game. The organization is overdue for a true coaching curriculum, and his extensive experience makes him the right person to tackle the job.”
A native of Eveleth, MN, but currently a resident of Woodbury, MN, Drobnick recently discussed his decision and reflected on his coaching career in a segment on that city’s YouTube channel.
Drobnick is leading the organization of this week’s Emerging Talent Showcase at Rock Creek Curling in Lafayette, CO, and will be in attendance at this event, alongside other USA Curling coaches. He will transition to his new role over the coming weeks.
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.
