Timberwolves to Play Regular-Season Contest in Mexico City

Minneapolis/St. Paul – The NBA today announced the Minnesota Timberwolves will play a regular-season game in Mexico City when they take on the Houston Rockets on Nov. 12 as part of the league’s expanded NBA Global Games schedule. Minnesota will serve as the home team when the two squads face off at Mexico City Arena. The game is one of two regular season contests that are a part of an expanded NBA Global Games schedule for the 2014-15 season, with Milwaukee and New York facing off in London on Jan. 15.

“We are very proud to once again represent the NBA in Mexico," said Timberwolves President Chris Wright. "This is a great opportunity for the NBA and the Minnesota Timberwolves to continue the incredible growth of our international fan base. The Mexico City fans were phenomenal last year and we look forward to visiting them again this season.”

Minnesota is among the most international teams in the NBA, as the Wolves 2013-14 roster featured seven international players from seven different countries. At the start of the 2013-14 season, NBA rosters featured a record 92 international players from 39 countries and territories.

The two regular season games will follow the NBA Global Games preseason games in October that will feature five teams -- the Brooklyn Nets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Sacramento Kings, and San Antonio Spurs -- playing a series of games in Brazil, China, Germany, and Turkey. As part of the NBA’s effort to connect with its fans globally, NBA Global Games 2014-15 now includes a total of nine NBA teams playing seven regular-season and preseason games in seven cities in six countries.

Along with the oncourt action, NBA Global Games 2014-15 will feature a variety of off-the-court activities, including NBA Cares community programs and interactive fan events in each city.  The games will also be supported by a variety of marketing and merchandising partners, while fans will be able to get real time updates through the NBA Game Time App, on NBA.com, and NBA social media channels, and watch globally on television and digital media, including NBA LEAGUE PASS International.

The remainder of the Wolves 2014-15 regular season schedule will be announced at a later date.

Timberwolves Dancers Open Auditions Set for July 19

Minneapolis/St. Paul – The Minnesota Timberwolves Dancers are searching for talented and energetic women who are passionate about dance to become members of the 2014-15 team. The Timberwolves Dancers are holding open auditions on Saturday, July 19 at 12 p.m. (11 a.m. registration) at the Wolves Practice Facility in Life Time Fitness Target Center.

The auditions are open to all aspiring dancers 18 years or older. After the open auditions, finalists will take part in interviews and training camp prior to the Selection Show held at Treasure Island Resort & Casino on Wednesday, July 30.

Details for the audition process are as follows:

• What to Bring: Photo ID, Current Photos: Headshot and Full Body Shot (5x7 or larger preferred; photos are non-returnable), Dance Resume and Professional Resume (if applicable), $20 Registration Fee (cash, credit or check payments accepted upon arrival)
•  What to Wear: Crop Top, Hot Shorts, Dance or Athletic Shoes with Non-marking Soles, Full Performance Hair/Make-Up

Prior to the July 19 auditions, the Timberwolves Dancers will host prep classes on May 31, June 21 and July 12 in Life Time Fitness in Target Center. The May 31 class is held from 4 -6 p.m. with registration at 3:30 p.m. The June 21 and July 12 classes are held from 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. with check in at 3 p.m. The classes cost $20 per session and participants will gain experience learning the Timberwolves Dancers style, while getting an inside look into what it takes to make the team. Participation in a prep class is not required, but is highly recommended. For more information or to register for the prep classes, visit www.timberwolves.com/dancers.

The Timberwolves Dancers represent the Timberwolves organization at all home games and at numerous events throughout the community each season. A one-year commitment is required from dancers who make the team.

Lynx Forward Maya Moore Named Western Conference Player of the Week

MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL – The WNBA today named Minnesota Lynx forward Maya Moore its Western Conference Player of the Week for games played Sunday, May 18 through Saturday, May 24. The Player of the Week award is Moore's first of the season and sixth of her career.

Moore started off the week scoring 34 points in Minnesota's season-opening 89-77 victory at Washington on May 16. Moore also chipped in nine rebounds in the victory. The University of Connecticut product continued her strong play in May 18's home opening 90-87 win over the Connecticut Sun, posting a double-double with 33 points and 12 rebounds. Her impact was also felt on the defensive end as she finished with five steals. She erupted for a career-high 38 points (including the decisive free throws with 11.8 seconds left) and 13 rebounds in the May 23 victory at Tulsa, becoming just the third player in WNBA history to put together back-to-back games with 30+ points and 10+ rebounds. Moore also contributed 30 points in the May 24 win over New York, setting a league record by scoring 30 or more points for the fourth consecutive game.

This season Moore ranks first in the WNBA in scoring (a career-high 29.3 ppg), seventh in rebounding (8.8 rpg), T-15th in FG accuracy (52.5%), T-8th in three-point accuracy (50.0%), first in three-pointers made (17), T-10th in FT accuracy (93.3%), seventh in steals (2.2 spg) and second in minutes per game (35.9 mpg). Moore ranks among the WNBA's top 15 in all seven major statistical categories.

Chicago’s Elena Delle Donne was named the Eastern Conference Player of the Week.

After Monday's Memorial Day victory against the Chicago Sky, the Lynx are the lone unbeaten team in the WNBA at 5-0. In their undefeated start, Minnesota leads the WNBA in scoring with 87.0 ppg.
The Lynx host the San Antonio Stars for the first time this season on Friday, May 30 at 7 p.m. at Target Center. Lower-level tickets are still available for Saturday's game by calling the Lynx at 612-673-8400 or by visiting LynxBasketball.com/LynxTix.

T-Wolves Gorgui Dieng Named to NBA All-Rookie Second Team

Minneapolis/St. Paul – Minnesota Timberwolves center Gorgui Dieng has been named to the 2013-14 NBA All-Rookie Second Team, the National Basketball Association announced earlier today.

Originally acquired by the Wolves in a draft-day trade with the Utah Jazz, Dieng averaged 4.8 points on 49.8% shooting and 5.0 rebounds in 60 games (15 starts) last season. He started 15 of Minnesota's final 18 games of the season, averaging 12.0 points, 11.3 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game during the stretch.

Dieng made his first career start on Mar. 16, scoring 12 points, grabbing 11 rebounds and blocking five shots to become the first player to record 10+ points, 10+ rebounds and 5+ blocks in his first NBA start since Elden Campbell in 1991. Two games later Dieng posted a 22-point, 21-rebound effort against Houston, just the sixth player since 1970 to record a 20+ point, 20+ rebound game within his first three career starts. Dieng is just the fourth rookie in the past 20 years to tally a 20/20 game (Joe Smith, Tim Duncan, DeJuan Blair).

The voting panel consisted of 125 sportswriters and broadcasters throughout the United States and Canada who were asked to select five players for the first team and five players for the second team, regardless of position.  Two points were awarded for first team votes and one for second team votes.

Dieng joins Felton Spencer, Kevin Garnett, Craig Smith, Kevin Love, Jonny Flynn, Wes Johnson and Derrick Williams as Wolves rookies to earn All-Rookie Second Team honors.

Below are the 2013-14 NBA All-Rookie First and Second Teams:
2013-14 NBA ALL-ROOKIE FIRST TEAM

Player	Team	First (2 pt)	Second (1 Pt)	Total
Michael Carter-Williams	Philadelphia	125	-	250
Victor Oladipo	Orlando	124	-	248
Trey Burke	Utah	108	14	230
Mason Plumlee	Brooklyn	95	24	214
Tim Hardaway Jr.	New York	87	30	204

2013-14 NBA ALL-ROOKIE SECOND TEAM

Player	Team	First (2 pt)	Second (1 Pt)	Total
Kelly Olynyk	Boston	19	81	119
Giannis Antetokounmpo	Milwaukee	15	86	116
Gorgui Dieng	Minnesota	21	54	96
Cody Zeller	Charlotte	3	61	67
Steven Adams	Oklahoma City	9	47	65

UMC Football Announces Addition of Nurse to Coaching Staff

CROOKSTON, Minn.- University of Minnesota Crookston Director of Athletics Stephanie Helgeson and Head Football Coach Mike Fritze announced the addition of Wes Nurse as assistant football coach for the Golden Eagles. Nurse spent the previous two seasons as an assistant coach at the University of North
Dakota.

“We are really fortunate to have a coach of Wes’ caliber join the staff at UMC,” Fritze said. “Wes brings to our staff a great deal of experience at the highest level of coaching. He fits in well with our current staff members and we are excited to have him became a member of the Golden Eagle family.”

Nurse will serve as running backs and tight ends coach and video coordinator for the Golden Eagles. His hiring signifies several other moves on the coaching staff. Robby Case will serve as the team’s offensive coordinator and offensive line coach. Mike Clark will continue to serve as quarterbacks and wide receivers coach while also serving as offensive pass game coordinator. Levi Bullerman will remain as the team’s defensive line coach while also picking up responsibilities as the recruiting coordinator and special teams coordinator. Sean Knox and Mark Dufner’s roles remain the same with Knox serving as defensive backs coach, strength and conditioning coach and defensive pass game coordinator. Dufner will enter his 13th season with the Golden Eagles in 2014. He will continue to serve as assistant head football coach, defensive coordinator and linebackers coach.

“I am very happy to have the opportunity to join the staff at University of Minnesota Crookston,” Nurse said. “I am very fortunate for this chance. I believe this program is bound for great things in the short term and long term and I am excited to start working with Coach Fritze and his staff here at UMC.”

Nurse worked primarily with the cornerbacks during his two seasons in Grand Forks, N.D., a position he played during his time at Boise State University. In 2012, Nurse helped junior Chavon Mackey share the team lead in interceptions and pass break-ups. Mackey was also third on the team in tackles. In 2013, Mackey led the team in pass deflections and interceptions and was fifth on the team in tackles.

Prior to arriving at UND, Nurse spent one season at the University of California Davis where he coached the cornerbacks for the Aggies. During his time at UC Davis, John Perkins collected All-Great West Second Team accolades during the 2011 season. Nurse was on staff with current UMC offensive coordinator Robby Case while at UC Davis.

Before his season with the Aggies, Nurse spent three seasons on the staff at University of Houston. For the Cougars, he was a quality control assistant working with both the defense and the special teams under current Texas A&M University Head Coach Kevin Sumlin. During his tenure at Houston, the Cougars climbed to as high as No. 12 in the polls during the 2009 season. He was a part of two teams that appeared in bowl games as the Cougars made it to the Armed Forces Bowl both seasons.

Before his time at Houston, Nurse spent the 2007 season at The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina. Nurse served as the coach for the defensive ends, safeties and outside linebackers. The Bulldogs’ defensive unit was the top ranked in the Southland Conference as The Citadel went 7-4 during the 2007 season. The record was the best among the previous 10 seasons.

Nurse got his start in college coaching at his alma mater, Boise State University, where he spent two seasons as a graduate assistant. In his final season with the Broncos, he helped Boise State to a memorable victory over University of Oklahoma in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl.

Nurse coached three defensive backs during his time at Boise State that went on to be drafted in the NFL (Gerald Alexander, 2nd Round; 2006), Orlando Scandrick , 4th Round; 2008 and Kyle Wilson, 1st Round; 2010). Alexander played five seasons in the NFL. Scandrick is in his seventh season with the Dalls Cowboys. Wilson is heading into his fifth season with the New York Jets.

His first taste of coaching at any level came as the co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach at Capital High School in Boise, Idaho for the 2004 season.

Prior to starting his coaching career, Nurse had a successful playing career for the Broncos in which he was a three-year starter at safety for Boise State. Nurse was named First Team All-Wac and the Broncos’ Defensive MVP in 2003. He also served as team captain during hat season. The Broncos compiled a record of 52-11 during his four seasons and appeared in four bowl games, winning all four.

Nurse graduated from Boise State in the summer of 2004 with a Bachelor’s degree in marketing. He and his wife, Valerie, have three sons: Jaiden (12), Treyvn (3) and Caysen (one week). He is originally from Federal Way, Wash.

For more information, visit the Golden Eagle Athletics website at www.goldeneaglesports.com.

Timberwolves Secure No. 13 Pick in 2014 NBA Draft

Minneapolis/St. Paul – The Minnesota Timberwolves were awarded the 13th overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft at tonight's NBA Draft Lottery. The 2014 NBA Draft will take place on Thursday, June 26 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y., beginning at 6 p.m. CT and be broadcast on ESPN.

Originally slated to draft in the 13th position, the Timberwolves entered tonight's NBA Draft Lottery with a 96.02 percent chance of maintaining that pick. The Wolves came into tonight with a 2.18 percent chance at landing a top-three pick, and a 1.80 percent chance of moving back. Minnesota will select 13th for the first time in franchise history.

Hall of Famer Karl Malone was the 13th overall pick in 1985 and future Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant was picked in that slot in 1996. Other notable players selected 13th overall include Jalen Rose (1994), Corey Maggette (1999) and Richard Jefferson (2001). 

Along with the 13th overall pick, the Wolves also have three second-round picks: the 40th (from New Orleans), 44th and 53rd (from Golden State) overall picks.

The Timberwolves are offering fans a chance to win one-of-a-kind prizes and experiences all summer long through the Every Moment Matters giveaways. Starting today through June 9, fans can visit Timberwolves.com to enter for a chance to win a VIP trip for two to the NBA Draft on Thursday, June 26 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. Find more information on giveaways and enter to win at Timberwolves.com.

NDSU Track & Field Athletes on All-League Team

ELMHURST, Ill. – With the conclusion of the 2014 Summit League Outdoor Track and Field Championships, the league has announced its Outdoor Track and Field All-League teams based on the student-athletes’ performances at the championships. Forty-nine women were named to the team for finishing in the top-three of an event, and 13 of those women were from NDSU.

Senior sprinters Antoinette Goodman and Ashley Tingelstad led the way with All-Summit League honors in four events, while Faith Kruchowski and Paige Stratioti earned the distinction in three events.

The Bison won 12 of the 21 events contested at the league championships, including 10 of the 12 running and relay events. NDSU had a top-three finisher in all but three events it entered.

Qualifiers to the 2014 NCAA West Preliminary Rounds held in Fayetteville, Ark., on May 29-31 will be announced on Thursday. The Bison are expected to send at least 10 women to the meet.

Outdoor Track & Field All-League Team – NDSU Women

Amy Andrushko, North Dakota State – 800 meters
Anna Benke, North Dakota State – pole vault
Antoinette Goodman, North Dakota State – 100 meters, 200 meters, 4x100 meter relay, long jump
Ashley Heinze, North Dakota State – 400 meters, 400-meter hurdles
Rose Jackson, North Dakota State – 4x100 meter relay, heptathlon
Deborah John, North Dakota State – 100-meter hurdles, 4x100 meter relay
Faith Kruchowski, North Dakota State – 800 meters, 1,500 meters, 4x400 meter relay
Sierra Rosenau, North Dakota State – javelin
Ashlynn Simon, North Dakota State – 4x400 meter relay
Paige Stratioti, North Dakota State – 400 meters, 800 meters, 4x400 meter relay
Erin Teschuk, North Dakota State – 3,000-meter steeplechase
Ashley Tingelstad, North Dakota State – 200 meters, 400 meters, 4x100 meter relay, 4x400 meter relay
Katelyn Weimerskirch, North Dakota State – discus, hammer throw

NDSU Men’s Track & Field Leads Summit League with 18 All-League Performers

ELMHURST, Ill. – With the conclusion of the 2014 Summit League Outdoor Track and Field Championships, the league has announced its Outdoor Track and Field All-League teams based on the student-athletes’ performances at the championships. Fifty-five men were named to the team for finishing in the top-three of an event, and NDSU led the league with 18 of those honorees.

Junior Brett Kelly was an All-Summit League performer in two individual events, while Jerome Begin, Dalton Herding and Jonah Warwick were each all-league in an individual event and the 4x400m relay.

NDSU had seven top-three finishers in the throwing events and scored a total of 77 points across the four throwing events contested at the outdoor championships. Over the last two Summit League Outdoor Championships, the NDSU men’s throwers have scored 156 team points, while no other school has scored more than 85.

Qualifiers to the 2014 NCAA West Preliminary Rounds held in Fayetteville, Ark., on May 29-31 will be announced on Thursday. The Bison are expected to send at least five men to the meet.

Outdoor Track & Field All-League Team – NDSU Men

Quinn Baumann, North Dakota State - javelin
Jerome Begin, North Dakota State – 400-meter hurdles, 4x400 meter relay
Brandt Berghuis, North Dakota State – shot put
Trevor Berner, North Dakota State – hammer throw
Adam Coykendall, North Dakota State - javelin
Josh Eiler, North Dakota State - discus
Alec Espeland, North Dakota State – 1,500 meters
Moses Heppner, North Dakota State – 800 meters
Dalton Herding, North Dakota State – 800 meters, 4x400 meter relay
Brett Kelly, North Dakota State – 5,000 meters, 3,000-meter steeplechase
Brock Larson, North Dakota State – decathlon
Grant Mjelstad, North Dakota State – decathlon
Alex Neumiller, North Dakota State – 4x400 meter relay
Colin Paarmann, North Dakota State – triple jump
Tyler Parker, North Dakota State - javelin
Alex Renner, North Dakota State – shot put
Angus Stoudt, North Dakota State – decathlon
Jonah Warwick, North Dakota State – 400 meters, 4x400 meter relay

NDSU Assistant Wrestling Coach Bret Maughan Steps Down

FARGO, N.D. – North Dakota State assistant wrestling coach Bret Maughan has announced that he will not be returning as a member of the NDSU coaching staff for the 2014-15 season.

Maughan recently completed his 13th season as an assistant coach for the Bison, capped by back-to-back seasons with NDSU wrestlers earning NCAA All-American honors.

As a team, Maughan helped guide NDSU into the top 30 at the NCAA Championships in each of the last two seasons, including an all-time high finish of 21st in 2014. The Bison won a Western Wrestling Conference regular season title in 2012-13 and the NCAA West Regional title in 2014.

“This decision was not an easy one, as Bison Wrestling has always been a huge part of my life,” said Maughan. “I have had the privilege of working with many great wrestlers over the years, and I am still very fortunate to be a part of their lives.”

Maughan coached numerous Division I and Division II national qualifiers and All-Americans, including Todd Fuller, Nick Severson, Paul Carlson, Thad Pike, Nick Magee, Eric Hoffman, Ryan Adams, Jacob Bryce, Vince Salminen, Trent Sprenkle and Steven Monk.

“In my role as an assistant coach, a big part of the job is being on the mat and wrestling collegiate athletes,” said Maughan. “In the last few years, that has become more of a physical challenge for me to maintain. The time demands of coaching Division I wrestling have also continually increased over the years, to the point where the time away from my children was the tipping point.”

“I have been privileged to work with a great staff, a supportive administration and for this university as a whole. I want to thank Gene Taylor for the opportunity to work for my alma mater. I’m looking forward to staying in the Fargo-Moorhead community, continuing my professional career in education, and having more freedom to spend time with my children,” said Maughan.

NDSU won two North Central Conference titles and two Western Wrestling Conference titles during Maughan’s time on the coaching staff.

“Bret has been a crucial part of the overall success and growth of our program, especially through the years of transition to Division I,” said NDSU head coach Roger Kish. “Bison wrestling has grown tremendously during his time here. We’re very grateful for the years of hard work and dedication that Bret has given to the program.”

Maughan is the son of Hall of Fame coach Bucky Maughan, who coached NDSU from 1964-2011. Next season will be the first since 1963 without a member of the Maughan family on the NDSU coaching staff.

Maughan is a distinguished member of the Fargo North Wrestling Hall of Fame, the Fargo North High School Hall of Fame and the North Dakota High School Wrestling Hall of Fame. He was most recently inducted into the Bison Athletic Hall of Fame in 2013 as a member of the 1988 national championship team.

Wolves to Participate in 2014 NBA Draft Lottery

Minneapolis/St. Paul – The Minnesota Timberwolves will participate in the 2014 NBA Draft Lottery, held on Tuesday, May 20 at the Disney/ABC Times Square Studios in New York City. By way of their 40-42 regular season record, the Wolves are currently slotted into the No. 13 selection, with a 2.18% chance of attaining a top-three pick. The Draft Lottery will be televised on ESPN beginning at 7 p.m. CT.

Wolves general manager Milt Newton will represent the team on stage at the Draft Lottery. Should the ping pong balls fall Minnesota’s way landing it a top-three selection, Newton will be made available to the Twin Cities media following the Draft Lottery via a conference call. Should the Wolves win the Draft Lottery, Newton will be available to the media via a national conference call at approximately 8 p.m. CT. Details will be sent out to the media on Tuesday afternoon.  

The Wolves will also have three second-round picks, the 40th (New Orleans' selection - acquired 9/9/2009 via the Antonio Daniels/Bobby Brown and Darius Songalia trade), 44th (own) and 53rd (Golden State's selection - acquired 6/27/2013 via the Malcolm Lee and Andre Roberson trade) overall draft choices.

The 2014 NBA Draft will take place on Thursday, June 26 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y., beginning at 6 p.m. CT and broadcast on ESPN.

Annese Hired as Assistant Men's Basketball Coach at UMC

CROOKSTON, Minn.- University of Minnesota Crookston Director of Athletics Stephanie Helgeson and Men’s Basketball Coach Dan Weisse announced the addition of Mike Annese as assistant men’s basketball coach for the Golden Eagles. Annese spent last season as an assistant coach at Truman State University, a NCAA Division II school in Kirksville, Mo.

“We are thrilled to have Mike join our staff at UMC,” Weisse said. “Mike is a high energy and high character person and someone players will enjoy playing for. He knows what the players are going through having played at Colorado State and Western State. I believe Mike will be an excellent addition to the Crookston community and look forward to the opportunity to work with him.”

Annese helped the Bulldogs to a 20-win season and a second-place finish in the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) West Division last season. The 20-win season marked the best performance by Truman in the previous 15 years. Annese worked under Head Coach Matt Woodley, who was an assistant coach at Middle Tennessee State when Weisse was a graduate assistant for the Blue Raiders.

“Mike worked for Matt Woodley at Truman State,” Weisse said. “Matt and I had worked together at Middle Tennessee State. I plan to run a program similar to the one Matt runs at Truman. In addition, Truman is in a similar situation as UMC, as it is a small school in an excellent basketball conference, so it should be an easy transition for Mike to Crookston.”

Annese’s main responsibilities at Truman included coordinating all aspects of video editing, which included breadkown of game film and film exchange. He also played a large role in the recruitment of student-athletes and worked hands-on with the team’s guards, coordinating their skill development during the season and in the off-season. Annese also helped with in-game coaching decisions and scouting opposing teams.

“I am extremely excited to be joining the UMC community,” Annese said. “ I am looking forward to working with Coach Weisse. He is a great leader and I believe he will have a significant impact on the Golden Eagle basketball program.”

Prior to his arrival at Truman, Annese served two seasons as a graduate assistant at Iowa Lakes Community College in Estherville, Iowa. He helped lead the Lakers to the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) National Tournament during the 2012-13 season. Iowa Lakes also captured the Iowa Community College Athletic Conference (ICCAC) Regular-Season and Conference Tournament Championship during the 2012-13 season. Annese was repsonsible for the recruitment of Deondre Parks to Iowa Lakes, who was a third-team All-American at Iowa Lakes and who has signed to play at South Dakota State University.

During his time with the Lakers, Annese was responsible for video coordination and film exchange, while also overseeing the team’s strength and conditioning program. He also assisted in the recruitment of student-athletes, scouted opposing teams and helped with player skill development.

While at Iowa Lakes, Annese worked with current UMC guard Kevin Larson, who was with the Lakers during the same two seasons Annese served as a graduate assistant. Larson will be a senior for the Golden Eagles during the 2014-15 season.

Prior to starting his coaching career, Annese played at Colorado State University, a NCAA Division I institution in the Fort Collins, Colo. Annese played for Tim Miles, who is currently the head coach at University of Nebraska and who prior to Colorado State was the head coach at North Dakota State University. Annese was a part of laying the ground work for future success as CSU. He was a part of the Rams’ College Basketball Post-season Invite (CBI) team during the 2009-10 season. He also helped Colorado State to a Rainbow Hoops Classic Runner-up finish and a Great Alaskan Shootout Championship. The Rams made the National Invitational Tournament (NIT) a season after Annese graduated and the NCAA Tournament the next two seasons.

Before walking on at Colorado State, Annese spent two seasons at Western State College of Colorado in Gunnison, Colo. Annese was the starting point guard for the Mountaineers as a freshman during the 2005-06 season.

A native of Littleton, Colo., Annese received his Master’s degree in higher education from Iowa State University in the spring of 2014 after earning his Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Colorado State in 2010. He is also a Certified Emergency Medical Technician through the Denver Health EMS Program.

Annese is the first hire for Weisse, who took over the program in the end of April. The Golden Eagles will add one more assistant coach to the staff later this summer. Weisse arrives to UMC from Minnesota State University Moorhead where he was an assistant coach for three seasons.

For more information, visit the Golden Eagle Athletics website at www.goldeneaglesports.com.

MN Lynx Moore to Participate in Celebrity Softball Game

Minneapolis/St. Paul – Major League Baseball today announced that Minnesota Lynx All-Star forward Maya Moore will participate in the 2014 Taco Bell All-Star Legends and Celebrity Softball Game as part of Taco Bell All-Star Sunday at Target Field. Moore will join fellow Minnesota sports stars Kevin Love of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Zach Parise of the Minnesota Wild and Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings.

“I'm thrilled to get a chance to compete on the field and represent well for the twin cities,” Moore said. “I'm sure there will be unforgettable moments and I'm excited to try out my cleats.”
The Taco Bell® All-Star Legends & Celebrity Softball Game will be televised by ESPN at approximately 10:30 p.m. Eastern immediately following the Home Run Derby which begins at 8:00 p.m. Eastern on Monday, July 14th. The Game will also be available via the WatchESPN app.

The Taco Bell All-Star Legends & Celebrity Softball Game is the second game of a fun doubleheader of activity at Target Field during Taco Bell All-Star Sunday. Preceding the softball game will be the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game, which will air live on MLB Network at 4:00pm Central, featuring some of MLB’s best young prospects from the U.S. and around the world.

Tickets for Taco Bell All-Star Sunday can be purchased at the official All-Star Game website of Major League Baseball (AllStarGame.com), the Minnesota Twins official website (twinsbaseball.com) or by calling 1-800-33-Twins or 1-888-FanFest. MasterCard®, the preferred card of Major League Baseball and All-Star Week, is an accepted form of payment.

Timberwolves Love to Participate in 2014 Taco Bell All-Star Legends & Celebrity Softball Game

Minneapolis/St. Paul – Major League Baseball today announced that Minnesota Timberwolves All-Star forward Kevin Love will participate in the 2014 Taco Bell All-Star Legends and Celebrity Softball Game as part of Taco Bell All-Star Sunday at Target Field. Love will play alongside Minnesota sports stars Maya Moore of the Minnesota Lynx, Zach Parise of the Minnesota Wild and Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings. 

“I am very excited to represent the Timberwolves in the Taco Bell All-Star Legends and Celebrity Softball Game,” said Love. “Thank you to Taco Bell and Major League Baseball for the opportunity and I look forward to joining my fellow Minnesota athletes at Target Field for what will be a fun weekend.”

The Taco Bell® All-Star Legends & Celebrity Softball Game will be televised by ESPN at approximately 10:30 p.m. Eastern immediately following the Home Run Derby which begins at 8:00 p.m. Eastern on Monday, July 14th. The Game will also be available via the WatchESPN app.

The Taco Bell All-Star Legends & Celebrity Softball Game is the second game of a fun doubleheader of activity at Target Field during Taco Bell All-Star Sunday.  Preceding the softball game will be the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game, which will air live on MLB Network at 4:00pm Central, featuring some of MLB’s best young prospects from the U.S. and around the world. 

Tickets for Taco Bell All-Star Sunday can be purchased at the official All-Star Game website of Major League Baseball (AllStarGame.com), the Minnesota Twins official website (twinsbaseball.com) or by calling 1-800-33-Twins or 1-888-FanFest. MasterCard®, the preferred card of Major League Baseball and All-Star Week, is an accepted form of payment.

Minnesota Lynx Waive Waltiea Rolle

MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Lynx today announced the team has waived center Waltiea Rolle. The Lynx roster now stands at 12 players in preparation for the league’s official roster cut-down deadline on Thursday, May 14 at 4 p.m. CT.

Rolle, a third-round pick (36th overall) by the Lynx in the 2013 WNBA Draft, appeared in all three preseason games with the Lynx this season, averaging 7.0 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game

The 2013 WNBA Champion Lynx will tip off the 2014 season on the road at Washington on Friday, May 16 at 7 p.m. The 2014 home opener will be on Sunday, May 18 vs. Connecticut at 4 p.m., which will feature a historic ring ceremony and championship banner for the 2013 WNBA Champions beginning at 3:30 p.m. Full-season and half-season memberships are available by visiting www.lynxbasketball.com or by calling 612-673-8400.

An updated training camp roster is below:

No	Player	Pos	Ht	Wt	Birthdate	College/Year	Yrs
33	Seimone Augustus	G	6-0	166	4/30/84	Louisiana State '06	8
32	Rebekkah Brunson	F	6-2	184	12/11/81	Georgetown '04	10
34	Damiris Dantas	F	6-4	190	11/17/92	Brazil	R
20	Tricia Liston	F	6-0	181	2/20/92	Duke '14	R
4	Janel McCarville	C	6-2	218	11/3/82	Minnesota ‘05	7
0	Lindsey Moore	G	5-8	148	6/3/91	Nebraska ‘13	1
23	Maya Moore	F	6-0	176	6/11/89	Connecticut '11	3
14	Devereaux Peters	F	6-2	170	10/8/89	Notre Dame ‘12	2
31	Asia Taylor	F	6-1	165	8/22/91	Louisville '14	R
13	Lindsay Whalen	G	5-9	162	5/9/82	Minnesota '04	10
5	Tan White	G	5-7	154	9/27/82	Mississippi State '05	9
22	Monica Wright	G	5-10	170	7/15/88	Virginia '10	4

NDSU Men’s Basketball Announces Plans to Play Two Seasons at Scheels Arena

FARGO, N.D. – The North Dakota State University athletic department and Scheels Arena announced a two-year agreement on Wednesday, May 14, to host home NDSU men’s basketball games at the venue for the 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons during the construction of the new Scheels Center at the Sanford Health Athletic Complex on the NDSU campus.

The agreement also includes three women’s basketball games – a contest with the University of North Dakota on Dec. 13, 2014, and two games as a part of Summit League doubleheaders on Jan. 2 and Jan. 4, 2015.

Located in southwest Fargo, Scheels Arena is a 5,000-seat multi-purpose hockey rink and event center that has served as the home of the Fargo Force of the United States Hockey League and Fargo high school hockey since it opened in 2008. The arena has hosted a variety of prestigious events such as the 2014 United States Olympic Team Trials for Curling, the upcoming 2015 NCAA West Regional for men’s ice hockey and numerous concerts.

“We are excited about the opportunity to play our basketball games in Scheels Arena,” said NDSU athletic director Gene Taylor. “We appreciate their cooperation and willingness to work with us the next two years.”

Scheels Arena staff had similar sentiments.

“We are thrilled to be able to serve as NDSU men’s basketball’s temporary home for their next two seasons,” said Scheels Arena general manager Jon Kram. “Our goal is to support the community in which we operate and NDSU athletics is large part of that community.  We were happy we were able to accommodate their needs and look forward to working with them over the next two years.”

Information on tickets and seating for NDSU men’s basketball at Scheels Arena will be provided on GoBison.com in June.

“We are extremely excited and very appreciative of the opportunity to partner with Scheels Arena,” said NDSU head men’s basketball coach David Richman. “There is no doubt that it will provide a first-class atmosphere for our fans and our student-athletes.”

The Bison men finished the 2013-14 season with a record of 26-7, sweeping The Summit League’s regular season and tournament titles and posting the first NCAA Tournament win in school history.

UMC Student-Athletes Earn NSIC Spring All-Academic Honors

CROOKSTON, Minn.- The University of Minnesota Crookston spring athletic teams showed vast improvement in the classroom in 2014 as 26 student-athletes were named to the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) Spring All-Academic Teams as announced by the conference office Wednesday. This number is up from just 12 during the 2013 season.

To be eligible for this honor, the student-athlete must be a member of the varsity traveling team and have a cumulative grade point average of 3.20 or higher.  Furthermore, the athlete must have reached sophomore athletic and academic standing at her/his institution (true freshmen, red-shirt freshmen and ineligible athletic transfers are not eligible) and must have completed at least one full academic year at that institution.

The UMC baseball had six student-athletes honored as UMC Male Student-Athlete of the Year Jesse Jennings (Jr., OF, Robbinsdale, Minn./Criminal Justice), Marcus Campbell (So., OF/P, St. Croix Falls, Wis./Golf and Turf Management), Trevor Buttermore (So., P/3B, North St. Paul, Minn./Criminal Justice), Ryan Haggstrom (So., C/1B, Apple Valley, Minn./Accounting), Jon Mittag (Sr., P, Glenville, Minn./Sports and Rec Management) and Richie Navratil (Sr., P, Blansko, Czech Republic/Sports and Rec Management) all received recognition.

The Golden Eagle softball team had eight of 14 team members for the 2014 season represented on the team. Kaylin Beatty (So., UT, Andover, Minn./Equine Science), Cateline Fafard (Sr., P/1B, Dauphin, Manitoba/Elementary Education), Allison Foley (So., SS, Lockport, Ill./Accounting), Shelby Hollinger (Jr., 2B, Neudorf, Saskatchewan/Health Science), Ashley Hoyle (So., UT, Blaine, Minn./Animal Science), Alexis Khoshaba (So., OF, Richmond, British Columbia/Sports and Rec Management), Josee Plante (Jr., 3B, Manitou, Manitoba/Sports and Rec Management) and Brooke Vatthauer (Jr., P/1B, Crookston, Minn./Health Science) all earned placement on the team.

The men’s golf team had four student-athletes recognized as Zach Cymbaluk (Jr., Crookston, Minn./Agricultural Business), Matt Bjorgo (Jr., Crookston, Minn./Information Technology Management), Michael Roedl (So., Minneapolis, Minn./Management) and Jesse Roscoe (Jr., Big Stone City, S.D./Golf and Turf Management) all met the guidelines for the team.

The Golden Eagle women’s golf team also had four recognized with Kelly Gustofson (Sr., Hermantown, Minn./Early Childhood Education), Mary Mikutowski (Jr., Stillwater, Minn./Health Science), Rikki Roscoe (So., Big Stone City, S.D./Communication) and UMC Female Student-Athlete of the Year Katie Sheetz (So., Grand Rapids, Minn./Biology) earning the honor.

The tennis team rounded things out with four student-athletes earning recognition with Catherine Brown (So., Powell Butte, Ore./Animal Science), Emily Caldis (So., Roseville, Minn./Animal Science), Sarah Muellner (So., Rosemount, Minn./Natural Resources) and Casey Paris (Sr., Fairmont, Minn./Agricultural Business) earning placement on the team.

For more information, visit the Golden Eagle Athletics website at www.goldeneaglesports.com.

UMC Softball Adds Derflinger and Larson to Signing Class

CROOKSTON, Minn.- The University of Minnesota Crookston softball program announced the additions of a pair of signees from Iowa Lakes Community College to National Letters of Intent. Jordyn Derflinger (OF/P, Henderson, Nev./Iowa Lakes C.C.) and Kristi Larson (IF, New Ulm, Minn./Iowa Lakes C.C.). will join the UMC softball team beginning in the fall of 2014 with their first season with the team being during the spring of 2015.

Derflinger and Larson join three signees who have already signed National Letters of Intent with UMC. Victoria Bayliss (OF/P, West Bloomfield, Mich./Notre Dame Preparatory H.S.) signed an NLI in April, while Gabriel Antolak (C/3B, Zimmerman, Minn.) and Samantha Kuhlow (C/1B, Big Lake, Minn.) signed with the team during the Early Signing Period in the fall.

As a pitcher, Derflinger had a 3-6 mark with a 4.66 earned runs average in 70.2 innings pitched for Iowa Lakes as a freshman. Derflinger had 19 strikeouts and 11 complete games for the Lakers in 2014. In two wins against Indiana Tech went five innings and gave up no earned runs with one hit allowed in game one and three hits in game two. Also earned a victory over Ellsworth Community College. At the plate, scored four runs on the season in 37 starts for the Lakers as a freshman. As a sophomore, she scored 16 runs with two doubles and had eight runs batted in. In the circle, Derflinger was 5-7 with 107.0 innings pitched as a sophomore with 31 strikeouts and 15 complete games.

Derflinger is the daughter of Kim and Dean Derflinger. She attended Foothills H.S. in Henderson, Nev. for her prep career.

Larson joins her brother Kevin Larson at UMC. Kevin is a senior point guard for the Minnesota Crookston men’s basketball program. Larson was third on the Iowa Lakes Community College team as a freshman with a .347 batting average. Larson had 21 runs scored, 35 hits, eight doubles, one triple, two home runs and 21 RBI’s during her first season with the Lakers. She had a .505 slugging percentage. As a sophomore, she hit .341, which was second on team. Larson ahd 36 runs scored, 12 doubles, two triples, four home runs and 35 RBI’s with a .548 slugging percentage.

Larson is the daughter of Craig and Kathy Larson. She played prep softball as New Ulm Cathedral H.S. in New Ulm, Minn. Larson’s brother Kevin also attended Iowa Lakes C.C. before transferring to UMC prior to the 2013-14 season.

The Golden Eagles are currently looking for a new softball coach as Ed Deugan did not have his contract renewed following the season. UMC is hoping to have a new coach in place as soon as possible. Minnesota Crookston is currently slated to return 10 players from their 2014 roster. The five additions brings the roster to 15. Leading the way will be seniors Shelby Hollinger (Sr., 2B, Neudorf, Saskatchewan/Health Science) and Josee Plante (Sr., 3B, Manitou, Manitoba/Health Science). Hollinger hit .280 with 10 runs scored, four doubles, one home run and five RBI’s as a junior while Plante hit .252 with nine runs scored, two doubles, two home runs and 10 RBI’s for the Golden Eagles in 2014.

All signees are contingent upon admission to UMC and compliance with NCAA rules, including certification by the NCAA Eligibility Center. Everyone released today has signed their National Letter of Intent prior to the release of information.

For more information, visit the Golden Eagle Athletics website at www.goldeneaglesports.com.

MN Lynx updates

Rebekkah Brunson Injury Update

MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Lynx today announced that Rebekkah Brunson underwent an arthroscopy on her right knee on Tuesday at TRIA Orthopedics in Bloomington, Minn. Brunson will be sidelined indefinitely and a further update will be provided when appropriate.

The 6-2 forward finished her 10^th WNBA season and fourth with the Lynx last season by appearing in 33 games and averaging 10.6 points and a team-high 8.9 rebounds per game.  Brunson finished the 2013 season ranked fifth in the league in rebounding, 15^th in steals and 15^th in blocks. She also tied her own franchise single-season record (set in 2010) with 12 double-doubles, pushing her overall totals to 41 in a Lynx uniform and 67 in her WNBA career. 

Minnesota Lynx Waive Christina Foggie 

MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Lynx today announced the team has waived guard Christina Foggie. The Lynx roster now stands at 13 players.

Foggie, a second-round pick (24th overall) by the Lynx in the 2014 WNBA Draft, appeared in all three preseason games with the Lynx, averaging 4.7 points, 3.0 rebounds and 0.5 assists per game

The 2013 WNBA Champion Lynx will tip off the 2014 season on the road at Washington on Friday, May 16 at 7 p.m. The 2014 home opener will be on Sunday, May 18 vs. Connecticut at 4 p.m., which will feature a historic ring ceremony and championship banner for the 2013 WNBA Champions. Full-season and half-season memberships are available by visiting www.lynxbasketball.com or by calling 612-673-8400.

An updated training camp roster is below:

No	Player	Pos	Ht	Wt	Birthdate	College/Year	Yrs
33	Seimone Augustus	G	6-0	166	4/30/84	Louisiana State '06	8
32	Rebekkah Brunson	F	6-2	184	12/11/81	Georgetown '04	10
34	Damiris Dantas	F	6-4	190	11/17/92	Brazil	R
20	Tricia Liston	F	6-0	181	2/20/92	Duke '14	R
4	Janel McCarville	C	6-2	218	11/3/82	Minnesota ‘05	7
0	Lindsey Moore	G	5-8	148	6/3/91	Nebraska ‘13	1
23	Maya Moore	F	6-0	176	6/11/89	Connecticut '11	3
14	Devereaux Peters	F	6-2	170	10/8/89	Notre Dame ‘12	2
50	Waltiea Rolle	C	6-6	199	9/11/90	North Carolina ‘13	R
31	Asia Taylor	F	6-1	165	8/22/91	Louisville '14	R
13	Lindsay Whalen	G	5-9	162	5/9/82	Minnesota '04	10
5	Tan White	G	5-7	154	9/27/82	Mississippi State '05	9
22	Monica Wright	G	5-10	170	7/15/88	Virginia '10	4

2014 USA Basketball Women’s World Championship Team Coaching Staff Set

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (May 12, 2014) – Three successful and experienced head coaches, including DePaul University’s Doug Bruno, the Minnesota Lynx’ Cheryl Reeve, and University of South Carolina’s Dawn Staley, have been selected as assistant coaches for the 2014 USA Basketball Women’s World Championship Team, USA Basketball today announced. Bruno and Staley have both served as assistant coaches for USA Basketball at the FIBA World Championship and Olympic Games, Bruno in 2010 and 2012, and Staley in 2006 and 2008. Reeve has a pair of WNBA titles as a head coach with the Lynx (2011, 2013) and two as an assistant coach with the Detroit Shock (2006, 2008).

Chosen by the USA Basketball Women’s National Team Steering Committee, the three coaches will work with USA and University of Connecticut head coach Geno Auriemma and the 2014 USA World Championship Team. 

“Overall, I think we’ve got a great mix,” said Auriemma. “We certainly have enough experience, both USA Basketball-wise, college, pro; we have a mix of personalities that I think is going to be really, really good. We have some continuity with Doug back. We have an opportunity to bring in some younger coaches, who hopefully aspire down the road to be head coaches at USA Basketball. They’re proven winners. They’re the kind of people that USA Basketball is really important to them, and most importantly, they’re people I can work with, people I have a lot of respect for and I think the committee really did a great job.”

The trio of coaches will assist Auriemma during the USA National Team’s training camp, which kicks off

Sept. 7-10 at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. While the remainder of the training schedule is to be announced, the team will compete in the 2014 FIBA World Championship in Istanbul, Turkey, from Sept. 27-Oct. 5.

Co-recipient of the 2006 and 2007 USA Basketball Developmental National Team Coach of the Year awards, Bruno was an assistant coach for the 2009-12 USA National Team that captured gold medals at the 2010 FIBA World Championship and 2012 Olympic Games. Prior to his time with the USA National Team, Bruno headed up a pair of age-based teams in back-to-back summers, compiling a perfect 13-0 record and earning gold medals at the 2006 FIBA Americas U18 Championship and 2007 FIBA U19 World Championship.

Bruno’s most recent DePaul squad advanced to the NCAA Sweet Sixteen, captured the Big East Conference regular season and tournament titles and finished with a 29-7 record.

“First of all, it’s such a great honor,” said Bruno, who owns a 560-301 (.650 winning percentage) in his 28 years at DePaul. “Every time the phone rings and I find out I’ve got the opportunity to coach with USA Basketball, I’m always excited and always flattered to coach USA Basketball at any level. But then, when it’s the USA National Team, being given the opportunity to coach the best players in the world and getting to coach with the best coaches in the world, I’m just overwhelmed. I’m really looking forward to helping USA Basketball in any way I can in defending the FIBA World Championship gold medal. As much as I love traveling to different countries, it’s the USA Basketball people, they’re fun people to work with all the time.”

At the helm of the WNBA Lynx for four seasons, Reeve has compiled a 93-43 (.683 winning percentage) overall record, including an 80-22 (.793 winning percentage) mark over the past three seasons. After a 13-21 finish in 2010, Reeve helped orchestrate the second-best turnaround in league history, capping the regular season with a 27-7 record and then winning the WNBA title. For her efforts, Reeve was named the 2011 WNBA Coach of the Year. The Lynx in 2012 again finished 27-7 and advanced to the WNBA Finals. In 2013 she guided the Lynx to the No. 1 spot in the Western Conference standings with a 26-8 record and coached the Lynx to its second WNBA championship in three years. Prior to being named head coach at the Lynx, Reeve spent nine years as an assistant in the league at Charlotte (2001-02, 2004-05), Clevelend (2003) and Detroit (2006-09), where she aided the Shock to a pair of WNBA titles.

“Obviously it’s not only an honor, but a great thrill to be associated with USA Basketball,” said Reeve. “It’s such a great team. I’m looking forward to coaching world-class athletes with such a tremendous coaching staff. The timing for me is spectacular to be associated with USA Basketball and to have three Philly people on the staff is kind of cool. We’re happy to be representing (laughs).

“The idea that there will be a few Minnesota Lynx players on the team and the idea that there will obviously be a large contingency of WNBA players, so I think my background, not only with my
players, but with the WNBA as a whole, I think there’s value in understanding our players,” added Reeve on what she brings to the staff. “I think Geno will like that input of maybe some things that we do at our level, whether it’s offensively or defensively.”

No stranger to USA Basketball, Staley as an athlete won 10 gold medals, including three Olympic and two FIBA World Championship gold medals, one bronze medal and seven international invitational titles from 1989-2004. She then transitioned into the coaching ranks, received her first USA Basketball coaching assignment as an assistant to the 2006 USA World Championship Team and was later asked to remain on board through the 2008 Olympics. With Staley assisting on the
sideline, the USA National Team from 2006-08 posted a 32-2 record, captured the 2008 Olympic and 2007 FIBA Americas Championship gold medals and the 2006 FIBA World Championship bronze medal. Staley also served as head coach for the 2007 USA Pan American Games Team that claimed gold with a perfect 5-0 record and will head up the 2014 USA U18 National Team coaching staff this summer.

In 2013-14 Staley led the Gamecocks to a 29-5 mark, the program’s first Southeastern Conference regular season title, a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament where she advanced her team to the Sweet Sixteen. Staley in 2014 was named the SEC Coach of the Year, WBCA Region 3 Coach of the Year and was one of four finalists for the Naismith National Coach of the Year award.

“I’m really looking forward to getting back into the USA Basketball network,” said Staley, who in six years at South Carolina has compiled a 121-71 (.630 winning percentage) record and posted 25-win seasons in each of the past three years. “It’s reliving some of the best days of my life. To be able to work with Geno, Doug and Cheryl, it’s going to open me up as a coach to learn different things. I’m looking forward to the challenge and I’m looking forward to, as always, winning the gold medal.

“I think I bring my experience of playing and coaching USA Basketball internationally,” added Staley. “I still know some of the players, and have played with some of the players, who will
probably be on the team. So, I add a different perspective, being able to relate to them and know their style of play, as well as being a good teammate. Just helping Geno in his quest to win another World Championship and add my expertise as someone who has played and coached at the World Championship level. I just want to be a great addition to the staff.”

The final 12-member 2014 USA World Championship Team will be selected from the 2014-16 USA National Team pool, which currently includes: Jayne Appel (San Antonio Stars), Seimone Augustus (Minnesota Lynx), Sue Bird (Seattle Storm), DeWanna Bonner (Phoenix Mercury), Tamika Catchings (Indiana Fever), Tina Charles (New York Liberty), Elena Delle Donne (Chicago Sky), Skylar Diggins (Tulsa Shock), Stefanie Dolson (Washington Mystics), Candice Dupree (Phoenix Mercury), Sylvia Fowles (Chicago Sky), Brittney Griner (Phoenix Mercury), Lindsey Harding (Los Angeles Sparks), Briann January(Indiana Fever), Glory Johnson (Tulsa Shock), Jantel Lavender (Los Angeles Sparks), Kara Lawson (Washington Mystics), Kayla McBride (San Antonio Stars), Angel McCoughtry (Atlanta Dream), Maya Moore (Minnesota Lynx), Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis (University of Connecticut), Nnemkadi Ogwumike (Los Angeles Sparks), Candace Parker (Los Angeles Sparks), Cappie Pondexter (New York Liberty), Danielle Robinson (San Antonio Stars), Odyssey Sims (Tulsa Shock), Breanna Stewart (University of Connecticut), Diana Taurasi (Phoenix Mercury), Alyssa Thomas (Connecticut Sun), Courtney Vandersloot (Chicago Sky), Lindsay Whalen (Minnesota Lynx), Monica Wright (Minnesota Lynx) and Sophia Young (San Antonio Stars).

USA Basketball Women’s National Team Director Carol Callan serves as the chair of the USA Basketball Women’s National Team Steering Committee, which includes USA Basketball CEO/Executive Director Jim Tooley; WNBA appointee Reneé Brown, WNBA Chief of Basketball Operations and Player Relations; NCAA appointee Chris Plonsky, Director of Women's Athletics/Athletics External Services, University of Texas; and three-time Olympic and two-time FIBA World Championship gold medalist Katie Smith, who played in nearly 200 games for USA Basketball from 1993-2008, and serves as the athlete representative.

2014 USA World Championship Team Schedule

DATE                    SITE                                                                    EVENT                                                                                

Sept. 7-10              U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Md.            Training Camp

Sept. 11-26           TBD                                                                Training Camp, Exhibition Games TBD

Sept. 27                 Istanbul, Turkey                      USA vs. China (9:30 p.m. local / 2:30 p.m. EDT)

Sept. 28                 Istanbul, Turkey                        USA vs. Serbia (9:30 p.m. local / 2:30 p.m. EDT)

Sept. 30                 Istanbul, Turkey                     USA vs. Angola (9:30 p.m. local / 2:30 p.m. EDT)

Oct. 1                     Istanbul, Turkey                     Quarterfinal Play-In Games

Oct. 3                     Istanbul, Turkey                     Quarterfinals

Oct. 4                     Istanbul, Turkey                      Semifinals

Oct. 5                     Istanbul, Turkey                      Finals

2014-16 USA Basketball Women’s National
Team Pool

NAME                           POS    HGT  WGT   DOB         TEAM                                       COLLEGE                  HOMETOWN

Jayne Appel                    C      6-4      210     05/14/88   San
Antonio Stars                   Stanford                        Pleasant Hill, CA

Seimone Augustus       G/F     6-0      166     04/30/84   Minnesota
Lynx                      Louisiana State            Baton Rouge, LA

Sue Bird                           G      5-9      150     10/16/80   Seattle
Storm                            Connecticut                  Syosset, NY

DeWanna Bonner        G/F     6-4      137     08/21/87   Phoenix
Mercury                     Auburn                          Fairfield, AL

Tamika Catchings          F       6-1      167     07/21/79   Indiana
Fever                           Tennessee                     Duncanville, TX

Tina Charles                    C      6-4      198     12/05/88   New
York Liberty                    Connecticut                  Jamaica, NY

Elena Delle Donne       G/F     6-5      188     09/05/89   Chicago
Sky                             Delaware                       Wilmington, DE

Skylar Diggins                 G      5-9      145     08/02/90   Tulsa Shock                              Notre Dame                  South Bend, IN

Stefanie Dolson              C      6-5      210     01/08/92   Washington
Mystics               Connecticut                  Port Jervis, NY

Candice Dupree              F       6-2      175     08/16/84   Phoenix
Mercury                     Temple                          Tampa, FL

Sylvia Fowles                  C      6-6      200     10/06/85   Chicago
Sky                             Louisiana State            Miami, FL

Brittney Griner                C      6-8      199     10/18/90   Phoenix
Mercury                     Baylor                            Houston, TX

Lindsey Harding             G      5-8      135     06/12/84   Los
Angeles Sparks                 Duke                              Houston, TX

Briann January          G      5-8      144     01/11/87   Indiana
Fever                           Arizona State               Spokane, WA

Glory Johnson           F       6-3      170     07/27/90   Tulsa
Shock                              Tennessee                     Knoxville, TN

Jantel Lavender         C      6-4      185     11/12/88   Los
Angeles Sparks                 Ohio State                     Cleveland, OH

Kara Lawson            G      5-9      150     02/14/81   Washington
Mystics               Tennessee                     Alexandria, VA

Kayla McBride               G      5-11    166     06/25/92   San
Antonio Stars                   Notre Dame                  Erie, PA

Angel McCoughtry      G/F     6-1      160     09/10/86   Atlanta
Dream                         Louisville                       Baltimore, MD

Maya Moore                   F       6-0      176     06/11/89   Minnesota
Lynx                      Connecticut                  Lawrenceville, GA

Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis  F       6-0      185     11/03/93   n/a                                Connecticut      Anaheim Hills, CA

Nnemkadi Ogwumike    F       6-2      188     07/02/90   Los
Angeles Sparks                 Stanford                        Cypress, TX

Candace Parker            F/C     6-4      175     04/19/86   Los
Angeles Sparks                 Tennessee                     Naperville, IL

Cappie Pondexter          G      5-9      160     01/07/83   New
York Liberty                    Rutgers                          Chicago, IL

Danielle Robinson          G      5-9      125     05/10/89   San
Antonio Stars                   Oklahoma                     San Jose, CA

Odyssey Sims                  G      5-8      155     07/13/92   Tulsa
Shock                              Baylor                            Irving, TX

Breanna Stewart          F/C     6-4      175     08/27/94   n/a                                Connecticut                  North Syracuse, NY

Diana Taurasi                 G      6-0      163     06/11/82   Phoenix
Mercury                     Connecticut                  Chino, CA

Alyssa Thomas               F       6-2      170     04/12/92   Connecticut Sun                      Maryland                      Harrisburg, PA

Courtney Vandersloot   G      5-8      145     02/08/89   Chicago Sky                             Gonzaga                        Kent, WA

Lindsay Whalen             G      5-9      169     05/09/82   Minnesota
Lynx                      Minnesota                     Hutchinson, MN

Monica Wright              G/F     5-10    170     07/15/88   Minnesota
Lynx                      Virginia                          Woodbridge, VA

Sophia Young                 F       6-1      165     12/15/83   San
Antonio Stars                   Baylor             St. Vincent, West Indies

2013-16 USA National Team Head Coach: Geno Auriemma, University of Connecticut

2014 USA
World Championship Team Assistant Coach: Doug Bruno, DePaul University

2014 USA World
Championship Team Assistant Coach: Cheryl Reeve, Minnesota Lynx

2014 USA World
Championship Team Assistant Coach: Dawn Staley, University of South Carolina