HOUSTON, TX-- This is all too familiar for veteran Olympic players like Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi. However, being named to the 2016 U.S. National Team is a dream come true for Breanna Stewart -- who just a few months ago was in college -- and Brittney Griner.
From winning national titles for their school's to now a chance at an Olympic gold medal and to represent their country is the icing on the cake for the newbies.
The program has not lost an Olympic game in 24 years. In fact, Team USA is already favored to win big and obtain their sixth straight gold medal. Stewart and Griner have big shoes to fill, but there is not a doubt that they will perform at the highest level. This is also Chicago Sky's Elena Delle Donne's first Olympic appearance.
The team opens Olympic play on August 7th against Senegal at the Deodoro Youth Center in Rio de Janeiro.