Grace VanSlooten Earns Spot on USA Women’s AmeriCup Team
EAST LANSING, Mich. – In an electrifying announcement on Thursday afternoon, Michigan State women’s basketball standout Grace VanSlooten has officially made the roster for the 2025 USA Women’s AmeriCup Team. This selection comes on the heels of a rigorous three-day trial held in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and marks a significant achievement for the junior forward.
Aiming for Gold in Santiago
The 2025 FIBA Women’s AmeriCup is set to take place from June 28 to July 6 in the vibrant city of Santiago, Chile. Team USA is gearing up for intense competition, and with VanSlooten’s experience and skill, the team is poised to make a strong showing. The USA Basketball Women’s Junior National Team Committee handpicked the roster, highlighting the talent and potential of these young athletes.
Notable Roster Members
VanSlooten is part of a talented group that includes basketball phenoms such as:
- Raegan Beers (C, Oklahoma)
- Mikayla Blakes (G, Vanderbilt)
- Madison Booker (F, Texas)
- Audi Crooks (C, Iowa State)
- Joyce Edwards (F, South Carolina)
- Kennedy Smith (G, Southern California)
- Hannah Stuelke (F, Iowa)
Among these stellar athletes, VanSlooten stands out as one of three representatives from the Big Ten Conference, alongside Hannah Stuelke of Iowa and Kennedy Smith from USC.
An Impressive Legacy
What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that Grace VanSlooten is one of six athletes on the roster who have previously clinched a gold medal with various USA Basketball teams. She achieved this honor as part of the 2023 USA U19 Women’s National Team, showcasing her consistent performance on the national stage.
Moreover, she has the honor of being the first Spartan to represent Team USA since Aerial Powers led the team to gold in the World University Games in South Korea back in 2015.
Guidance and Leadership
VanSlooten’s journey to this prestigious team was bolstered by the involvement of Robyn Fralick, Michigan State’s head coach, who served as one of the court coaches during the trials. Leading the charge for the AmeriCup Team is Kara Lawson from Duke University, assisted by esteemed coaches DeLisha Milton-Jones (Old Dominion University) and Jennie Baranczyk (University of Oklahoma).
Stellar Performance for the Spartans
VanSlooten’s basketball prowess was evident during her first season at Michigan State, where she garnered second-team All-Big Ten honors. She dominated the court, leading her team with an impressive 15.5 points and 7.3 rebounds per game, while participating in 31 games with 23 starts.
Tournaments to Watch
As the 2025 USA Women’s AmeriCup Team prepares for the competition, they will open Group B against host nation Chile, followed by matches against Colombia, Puerto Rico, and Mexico. The winner of this crucial tournament will clinch a coveted berth at the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup, which will take place in Berlin next summer—a golden opportunity for any athlete.
In a sport where talent shines and passion burns bright, Grace VanSlooten’s selection to the USA Women’s AmeriCup Team is a testament to her hard work and dedication. As she prepares to represent not only her country but also her Spartan roots, fans are left eagerly anticipating her impact on the court.
For more updates on women’s basketball and to follow VanSlooten’s journey, check out USA Basketball for the latest news and statistics.
