AMSTERDAM (FIBA U19 Women's World Championship) - After the darkest period of her burgeoning career, Netherlands star playmaker Laura Cornelius is ready to get back onto the court for her country.

Rocked by a serious injury last year which curtailed her participation at the U18 European Championship Women, the guard had to keep her spirits high and part of that strategy was to still go to Portugal and help her team leave Matosinhos with the FIBA U19 Women's World Championship ticket they craved.

"Obviously tearing my ACL was a big shock for me and I think this injury is every athlete's biggest nightmare," reflected Cornelius.

"But right from the start, I told everyone I'll be back stronger than ever.

"And of course that was easy to say in the beginning, not actually knowing how tough the rehab would be.

"But I think I did a good job on keeping my head up and at this moment, I'm feeling stronger and hungrier than I have ever been before.

"For the staff and myself, there was absolutely no doubt about me still going with the team to Matosinhos last year.

"Despite my injury, I still felt that I had to lead this group.

"It was still my team and I wanted to help the girls in any way I could.

"Of course it was tough being sidelined and being unable to have any influence in games.

"But the girls did great and I'm still so proud of that group."

Cornelius will step out at her second edition of the FIBA U19 Women's World Championship having played two years ago at the event when she turned heads with some mature performances at the point guard position.

Now she is excited to be heading back to the competition and can't wait to step out in Russia.

"Participating at that level in 2013 was just great," she recalled.

"We went to Lithuania with a young team, with no expectations and with a mindset to play our hearts out.

"We finished 10th but we showed the world that we can play.

"In general I think the various FIBA Women's World Championships are such well-organised tournaments with high level teams.

"I'm truly honoured that I have played already two of them and have another chance to play one.

I think we will have a great team in Chekov. - Cornelius

"We have some really talented young players and of course a strong inside force with players like Janis Ndiba and Emese Hof.

"For myself, I try to not expect too much.

"I'm still coming back, but I really think we have a team that can surprise a lot of people in Russia.

"We don't know much about Argentina and Chinese Tapei, but I think we absolutely have a chance to win against those teams.

"Russia will be our strongest opponent - but how cool is it to compete against Russia in Russia?"

Once the dust has settled on the action in Chekhov, Cornelius will be able to turn her attention to the start of her NCAA career – where she will have some familiar company in the locker room.

"Playing basketball at Miami University is a dream come true," she revealed.

"I'm striving to be the best and playing in the NCAA will give me an opportunity to actually make the best out of myself.

"I think Emese Hof and I have both made a good choice in our career and I hope we can do some great things together overseas!"

The duo will play for 2013 USA winning coach Kate Meier, who was no doubt left impressed by their efforts in Lithuania.

FIBA