Former MLB Draft Pick and Coastal Carolina Hall of Famer Has Helped Develop More Than 100 Student-Athletes Advance to Collegiate Baseball Programs

STOW, Mass. — May 21, 2026 — Masters Academy International announced today that Anthony Meo has joined the school as Pitching Coach and Head Equipment Manager for the athletic department.

A former second-round selection of the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 2011 MLB Draft, Meo arrives at MAI with nearly two decades of experience as both a player and coach. Widely regarded as one of the top pitchers in Coastal Carolina University history, Meo was a multi-time All-American, a finalist for the Golden Spikes Award and Dick Howser Trophy, and was inducted into the Coastal Carolina Baseball Hall of Fame in 2017.

Most recently, Meo served as Pitching Coach for Dexter Southfield, where he helped guide the program to a No. 1 ranking in New England and a 2025 Central New England Prep School Baseball League (CNEPSBL) Championship.

Throughout his coaching career, he has helped more than 100 student-athletes advance to collegiate baseball programs across all NCAA levels, including placements at schools such as the University of Virginia, Princeton University and East Carolina University.

“Anthony brings an elite level of baseball experience, credibility and passion to our program,” said Rich Gilbride, Director of Baseball. “His background as a professional pitcher, coach and mentor to countless student-athletes aligns perfectly with our mission to provide a world-class experience both academically and athletically. He understands what it takes to compete at the highest level and how to prepare young athletes for long-term success.”

Following his professional playing career with the Diamondbacks organization, Meo transitioned into coaching and player development, quickly earning a reputation as one of the region’s most respected young coaches.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to join MAI because of its mission to combine top-tier athletics with strong academics and character development,” said Meo. “There’s tremendous momentum behind what’s being built here and I’m looking forward to helping shape an elite program with high standards and long-term vision for success. Most importantly, I’m thrilled to work alongside an outstanding staff and help support, mentor and positively impact student-athletes both on and off the field.”

A native of Cranston, Rhode Island, Meo starred at Cranston West High School, helping lead the program to back-to-back state championships while earning All-State honors. He was originally drafted by the Washington Nationals in the 43rd round of the 2008 MLB Draft before ultimately attending Coastal Carolina, where he became one of the most accomplished pitchers in school history.

During his standout collegiate career, Meo earned 2010 All-American honors, was named Big South Pitcher of the Year and NCBWA District IV Player of the Year, and helped further establish Coastal Carolina as a national baseball powerhouse. He also pitched for the Bourne Braves in the prestigious Cape Cod Baseball League and earned an invitation to the 2010 USA Baseball National Team tryouts.

Meo also serves nationally as a volunteer bullpen coach for the New York Yankees Area Code Baseball teams, working alongside some of the top amateur baseball talent in the country at the nationally recognized Area Code Games in California.

Meo said his coaching philosophy centers around competitiveness, accountability and creating an environment where student-athletes are pushed to maximize their potential while still enjoying the process of growth and development.

“What I love most about coaching and educating is the opportunity to make a lasting impact on young people beyond just athletics,” Meo said. “Building relationships, helping students grow in confidence, discipline and teamwork, and watching them develop both on and off the field is incredibly rewarding.”

Masters Academy International is an elite academic and athletic institution opening in Stow, Massachusetts, dedicated to developing student-athletes through world-class coaching, academics and character development. Meo joins an all-star baseball coaching staff that includes Rich Gilbride, Patrick Moriarty and Kevin Graber. To learn more about the baseball program at Masters Academy International, please visit https://www.mastersacademyinternational.com/sports/baseball/.

About Masters Academy International: Masters Academy International (MAI) is an elite boarding and day school opening in Stow, Massachusetts, designed to redefine the student-athlete experience. MAI prepares students to think, train, and perform at professional standards by integrating pro-level coaching, top-tier academics, and comprehensive student development into one aligned model — ensuring students never have to compromise one for the other. The school is operated in partnership with Cognita, a global education leader with more than 100 premium private schools worldwide. MAI provides a structured pathway for students aspiring to compete at the collegiate and professional levels while excelling in the classroom and in life. Learn more at https://www.mastersacademyinternational.com/.

Media Contact: Joe Zarbano, Regan Communications on behalf of Masters Academy International, jzarbano@regancomm.com.