Cole Billingsley (2012, OF/LHP, Pell City High School) received the opportunity of a lifetime to play for his country in the Pan-Am games in Mexico. Through a series of tryouts, Cole was chosen to the final 25 man roster on the 16-U USA National Team.

Cole began his tryouts in the Alabama Team USA-NTIS showcase, where he was chosen to move on to the regional showcase at the University of West Georgia. He had an outstanding two days in the showcase games and was chosen to represent the Mid-Atlantic Region in the Team USA NTIS National Tournament held at the Team USA facility in Cary, N.C. Cole was among nine Excel Baseball Academy students chosen to play in the national tournament.

Cole had an outstanding tournament and was invited to the two-week national workout in Houston, Texas. At the workout, which included games at Minute Maid Park (home to the Houston Astros), Cole impressed the coaches yet again and made the starting lineup for the National Team in their international tournament in Mexico. While in Mexico, Cole started all nine games and helped lead Team USA to a gold medal with a .364 batting average and one homerun. 

Cole has been a student at Excel for more than six years. During that time, Cole has been one of the hardest working players to come through the program. His hard work and dedication have definitely paid off.  Cole has played for the Pell City High School varsity team for the past two seasons, as well as the Excel Blue Sox during the summer.

The Excel family is proud of Cole and wishes him continued success for many years to come.