USA Basketball announced Michigan State women's basketball coach Suzy Merchant will coach the United States Women's’ Basketball team in the 2019 Pan American Games.
“First off I would say it’s extremely humbling,” Merchant said in a press release. “I don’t think there’s a prouder moment in your profession than to be able to represent your country and have the opportunity to win a gold medal. I feel very blessed and honored to have this opportunity.”
Merchant will be joined by Vic Schaefer, Mississippi State’s head coach and Felisha Legette-Jack, Buffalo’s head coach.
Merchant was an assistant coach to the 2009 USA basketball team, which went 7-0, to take home the World University Games gold medal after beating Russia, 83-64.
Trials to pick the 12-women roster are May 16-20 in the United States Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, with training camp to follow July 15-30.
In order to be eligible for the team, players must be a U.S. citizen, that is fully enrolled college student with eligibility for the 2019-2020 season. The 2019 games will take place July 31- Aug. 4 in Lima, Peru.
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