A hot pressed composite structure, and method of making same are provided, wherein such structure is reinforced in three X, Y, and Z directions and comprises a matrix material, a plurality of straight elongate rigid reinforcing members embedded in the matrix material in spaced parallel relation and each disposed with its elongate dimension parallel to one of the above-mentioned directions, and a plurality of substantially straight elongate rigid reinforcing members embedded in the matrix material each with its elongate dimension disposed substantially along an associated one of the remaining two of the directions.