COLORADO SPRINGS (FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup 2017) – Suzie McConnell-Serio has been selected to lead USA at the FIBA U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup after delivering gold at the FIBA Americas U18 Women’s Championship 2016.

The University of Pittsburgh play-caller will be joined once again on the sidelines by assistant coaches Kamie Ethridge and Charlotte Smith, as the USA search for a stunning seventh straight title at U19 level.

"We’re excited about the opportunity and the challenge of playing in the FIBA U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup," said McConnell-Serio, who was a double Olympian and FIBA Women’s World Championship winner as a player.

"We know that we’re playing against the best, at this age level, from all over the world.

"What you learn from previous years, playing in last year’s zone competition, is how important team chemistry is. Also your personnel – having players that complement each other, having a great inside game, having great shooters and great playmakers.

"The personnel is key, because you’re together for such a short time in your preparation. When preparing for USA Basketball, you’re basically preparing for an entire season in a short amount of time and we have to be focused and ready for anything that we will see at that level."

She continued, "I’m excited to work with Kamie Ethridge and Charlotte Smith again. They’re great coaches and they’re great teachers of the game. We had great chemistry among our staff. They’re very knowledgeable of the game and I’m thrilled to be on the sideline with them once again.

"I think having Charlotte working with the post players and Kamie with the guards has been outstanding. I think our players are learning from two of the best in the game, and I’m excited that I have the opportunity to work with these coaches and with this team."

Trials to select the 12-member team will be held May 18-21 at the United States Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs.

FIBA