Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark are set to represent the United States on the women’s basketball World Cup qualifying team competing next month in Puerto Rico. The 12-player squad combines seasoned veterans and promising young athletes to continue the nation’s strong tradition in international basketball.
Roster Highlights and Key Players Making Their Debut
Alongside Reese and Clark, the team includes Olympic gold medalists Kahleah Copper, Chelsea Gray, Kelsey Plum, and Jackie Young, who bring valuable experience from the 2024 Paris Games. Additionally, 3×3 bronze medalists Dearica Hamby and Rhyne Howard will contribute their skills. Exciting newcomers Paige Bueckers, Sonia Citron, and Kiki Iriafen will each make their national team debut, while Aliyah Boston returns after competing in the 2024 Olympic qualifying tournament.
Clark’s Recovery and Stewart’s Support Role
Caitlin Clark, who battled injuries limiting her to 13 WNBA games last season, has confirmed her health following a USA training camp in December. Three-time Olympic and world champion Breanna Stewart will not participate in the competition but will join the team for training sessions in Miami on March 7-8, lending her presence and support.
Coaching Staff and Tournament Details
The U.S. team will begin the tournament in San Juan under the leadership of Olympic coach Kara Lawson, who will later return to Duke University to prepare the Blue Devils for the NCAA Tournament. Assisting Lawson will be Natalie Nakase, Nate Tibbets, and Stephanie White, all of whom served as court coaches during the December training camp. The United States will face tough competition from Senegal, Puerto Rico, Italy, New Zealand, and Spain in the qualifying tournament, having already secured a place at the World Cup in Berlin scheduled for September 4-13.
U.S. Team Aims to Extend Its World Cup Dominance
The American team is focused on capturing its fifth consecutive World Cup championship, a feat that would underscore its dominance in women’s international basketball. The mix of youth and experience on this roster presents both opportunity and uncertainty as the players work to build chemistry and overcome tough opponents in Puerto Rico. How these stars perform together will shape the United States’ path heading into the World Cup later this year.
