Michigan State Athletics: A New Era in Women’s Basketball
EAST LANSING, Mich. — A thrilling wave of excitement is sweeping through Michigan State Athletics as head coach Robyn Fralick and standout forward Grace VanSlooten gear up for the prestigious 2025 USA Basketball Women’s AmeriCup Team trials in Colorado Springs, Colorado, starting June 17.
A Legacy Reborn: Fralick’s Influence
With Fralick at the helm, Michigan State’s women’s basketball program is entering a transformative phase. Fralick is making history as the first Spartan women’s basketball coach to join the USA Basketball ranks since former coach Suzy Merchant led the silver-medal-winning team at the 2019 Pan Am Games in Lima, Peru. Under Fralick’s leadership, the Spartans have not only made back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances but have also accumulated an impressive 44-19 record over the past two years.
VanSlooten: A Rising Star
Grace VanSlooten, a junior forward, is carving out her own place in Spartans’ history. She made a remarkable impact during her inaugural season, earning second-team All-Big Ten honors by leading the team with an average of 15.5 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. VanSlooten’s journey continues as she becomes the first Spartan since Sidney Cooks in 2017 to attend a Team USA trial, showcasing her talent on a national stage.
The Selection Process
The athletes for the USA trials were handpicked by the USA Basketball Women’s Junior National Team Committee, showcasing the best young talent across the nation. Fralick’s role alongside Creighton head coach Jim Flanery as court coaches further highlights the collaborative effort to nurture the next generation of women’s basketball. Kara Lawson of Duke will lead the team as head coach, with assistant coaches including DeLisha Milton-Jones from Old Dominion and Jennie Baranczyk from Oklahoma.
What’s Next: FIBA Women’s AmeriCup
After the trials and a training camp in Colorado Springs, the selected team will embark on their journey to Santiago, Chile, for the 2025 FIBA Women’s AmeriCup, scheduled for June 28 to July 6. They will kick off their campaign in Group B, facing host nation Chile, as well as competitors from Colombia, Puerto Rico, and Mexico. A victory at the FIBA Women’s AmeriCup will not only add to the team’s accolades but will also secure a spot for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup in Berlin.
Watch Along As Histories Are Made
This momentous occasion for Michigan State Athletics promises to propel both Fralick and VanSlooten into the national spotlight. As they prepare for the trials, fans and supporters can eagerly anticipate an inspiring display of talent that showcases not just their individual skills, but also the heart and resilience of Spartan athletics.
Roster at a Glance
The 2025 USA Basketball Women’s AmeriCup Trials roster features an impressive lineup of talent:
- Raegan Beers, Oklahoma
- Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt
- Madison Booker, Texas
- Mara Braun, Minnesota
- Addyson Brown, Iowa State
- Jaloni Cambridge, Ohio State
- Audi Crooks, Iowa State
- Margaret Doogan, Richmond
- Joyce Edwards, South Carolina
- Stailee Heard, Oklahoma State
- Hannah Hidalgo, Notre Dame
- Flau’jae Johnson, LSU
- Gianna Kneepkens, Utah
- Darianna Littlepage-Buggs, Baylor
- Olivia Miles, Notre Dame
- Khamil Pierre, Vanderbilt
- Reigan Richardson, Duke
- Kennedy Smith, Southern California
- Hannah Stuelke, Iowa
- Grace VanSlooten, Michigan State
- Payton Verhulst, Oklahoma
As Michigan State continues to build its legacy in women’s basketball, keep an eye on these incredible athletes as they aim for greatness both on domestic and international stages. For more details on the team and updates on their progress, visit the official Michigan State Athletics website.
This vibrant phase in Michigan State Athletics is only just beginning, and the journey promises to be as exhilarating as it is historic.
