08/15/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
USA Bodysurfing Names Tony Sholl Team USA Coach for 2026 World Tour Finals
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USA Bodysurfing is proud to announce Tony Sholl as Team USA Coach for the 2026 IBSA Bodysurfing World Tour Finals, taking place September 26 through October 5 on the southwest coast of France.
Selected by USA Bodysurfing President Vince Askey, Sholl will help lead Team USA as 18 of the nation's top bodysurfers head to France to compete alongside athletes from around the world.
A competitive bodysurfer since 2003, Sholl represented Team USA in its inaugural year in 2024 and again in 2025. He now transitions from athlete to coach, bringing decades of experience in bodysurfing, ocean competition, aquatic safety, training, and athlete development.
Sholl follows Mark Drewelow, his teammate on the inaugural 2024 Team USA and the first coach of Team USA Bodysurfing. Drewelow's passion for the ocean, competition, and growing the sport helped establish the foundation for the Team USA coaching role.
Sholl serves as Aquatics Supervisor for the City of Santa Barbara, overseeing Beach Lifeguard operations, a Junior Lifeguard program, Pool Lifeguard and Learn-to-Swim programs, and public Aquatic Facilities. He also serves on the Executive Board of the California Surf Lifesaving Association as Treasurer and chairs the organization's Ways and Means, Bylaws and Junior Lifeguard Committees.
“Representing Team USA as an athlete the past two years has been an incredible experience, and stepping into the coaching role carries special meaning,” said Sholl. “I had the privilege of being Mark's friend and teammate, and I'm proud to build on the foundation he helped establish. We have an amazing group heading to France. I want our athletes to compete hard, support one another, share some waves, have fun, and represent everything that makes the bodysurfing community special.”
Team USA's 2026 roster features 18 athletes representing bodysurfing clubs and communities throughout California. The team will be supported by Team Manager Armando Cazares, Physiotherapist Hayley Nemoroff, USA Bodysurfing President Vince Askey, and Team USA Coach Tony Sholl.
The World Tour Finals bring together leading bodysurfers from around the globe following a season of regional qualifying competition. For Team USA, France represents an opportunity to compete at the highest level while celebrating the simplicity, athleticism, camaraderie, and connection to the ocean that make bodysurfing unique.
Team USA heads to France ready to compete, represent, and celebrate bodysurfing on the world stage.
