MIAMI (USA) - Canada has announced the 20 athletes from the senior national team pool they are inviting to the Women’s AmeriCup training camp taking place from May 20 to June 4. From the camp, 12 athletes will travel to San Juan, Puerto Rico to participate in the competition.

College basketball standouts Laeticia Amihere, Aaliyah Edwards, Shaina Pellington and Merissah Russell have all been invited to the camp after their showings during the NCAA Women’s Basketball tournament in March and April.

Miranda Ayim, Shay Colley, Quinn Dornstauder, Nirra Fields, Kim Gaucher, Ruth Hamblin, Sami Hill, Miah-Marie Longlois, Daneesha Provo and Jamie Scott have all also been named to the roster with many players coming from teams in France, Germany, Belgium and Turkey.

Aislinn Konig, Kayla Alexander and Nayo Raincock-Ekunwe, who all have previous experience with both the WNBA as well as EuroBasket, will be some of the experienced veterans headlining the training roster heading into San Juan.

Of the 20 invitees, three of Canada’s strongest players in Natalie Achonwa, Kia Nurse and Bridget Carleton will be unable to attend the camp due to their WNBA commitments, but will potentially be available for the next phase.

Canada finished in second place in the 2019 AmeriCup, losing to the United States 67-46. Scott led the team in both points and rebounds to take home silver, while Alexander led the tournament in rebounds per game averaging 10.2, as well as finishing in the top five scorers averaging 15.6 points per game.

Alexander was also named to the tournament’s All-Star Five, the only Canadian who was recognized for the award. Canada has won two of the last three AmeriCups they have participated in, and taken a podium position in all three.

Team Canada will relocate from Edmonton for the first time since 2013, with their training camp happening in Tampa, Florida to properly follow quarantine and safety protocols before travelling to San Juan.

The team’s coaching staff consists of Lisa Thomaidis, head coach of the senior national team as well as assistant coaches Carly Clarke and Steve Baur. The team last competed in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in February of 2020.

FIBA