Mara Braun: A Rising Star in College Basketball
Exciting news emerged from the University of Minnesota as standout guard Mara Braun has been selected to participate in the 2025 USA Women’s AmeriCup Team Trials. This prestigious event will kick off on June 17 at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs.
An Opportunity to Shine
The announcement, made by USA Basketball on Monday, highlighted Braun’s remarkable talent, which has caught the attention of the Women’s Junior National Team Committee. Head coach Dawn Plitzuweit expressed her enthusiasm for Mara’s selection, stating, “We are very excited for Mara to have this opportunity ahead of her!”
A Promising Career
Mara Braun, hailing from Wayzata, Minnesota, is among 21 collegiate athletes chosen for the trials. With a history of competing at the highest levels, including the Big Ten and the USA 3×3 program, Braun’s skills and competitive spirit make her a formidable contender. Her triumph at the 2023 FIBA 3×3 Nations League Final adds to her impressive credentials.
Training to Compete with the Best
Braun shared her excitement about this opportunity: “I’m incredibly honored and excited to be invited to the 2025 USA AmeriCup Trials. Having another opportunity to represent my country and compete alongside so many talented athletes is a dream come true. I’m ready to work hard and grow through this experience.”
The Coaching Staff
Leading the trials will be Kara Lawson from Duke University, with an expert team that includes DeLisha Milton-Jones (Old Dominion University) and Jennie Baranczyk (University of Oklahoma). They will be supported by coaches Jim Flanery (Creighton University) and Robyn Fralick (Michigan State University) to refine these athletes’ skills and strategies.
High Stakes at the AmeriCup
The 2025 USA Women’s AmeriCup Team will face tough competition in Group B, including host nation Chile, alongside Colombia, Puerto Rico, and Mexico. The full schedule can be accessed here. The stakes are high: the winner of the 2025 FIBA Women’s AmeriCup will secure a coveted spot in the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup to be held in Berlin next summer.
USA’s Legacy
Since its inception in 1993, the U.S. Women’s AmeriCup team has enjoyed significant success, capturing four gold medals, including recent victories in 2019 and 2023.
For more details about the 2025 FIBA Women’s AmeriCup, visit here.
Conclusion
As Mara Braun embarks on this exciting chapter, the basketball community watches closely. Her journey is a testament to dedication and talent, and her potential to shine on the international stage represents the very best of what Gopher athletics can offer. Go Gophers!
