MIES (Switzerland) - Wendi Fleming is hoping to pave the way for female players after being selected to compete at the FIBA Esports Open.

The 33-year-old gamer is amongst the squad of seven on the USA Esports National Team ahead of the North & Central America Conference, becoming the first female to take part in the competition.

Fleming (@ALittleLady87) earned her spot through the recent two-day trials - after overcoming a potential schedule clash - with Washington Mystics' Aerial Powers amongst the selection panel that decided on the roster.

"To be the first woman [to compete] means a lot me," said Fleming. "It is definitely a milestone for me and other women in gaming, so to make it to the FIBA Esports Open is another step in the right direction.

"I had a mini vacation planned for the weekend of the trials, but I had to scratch that as making it was the priority.

"I was ecstatic knowing that I was going to be one of the seven on the USA team. I've made it onto the most competitive team - it's a dream come true and I couldn't be happier.

"Nobody is selfish on the team, and we are all here to win gold for Team USA."

Fleming attended the Women in Gaming: Development Camp in New York last year, hosted by the NBA 2K League, and believes inclusion and diversity is growing within the virtual world.

She also offered her advice for aspiring female players that want to pursue their own gaming dreams.

"Never give up," stated Fleming. "Never let people bring you down or stop you doing what you enjoy.

"Take advantage of the opportunities that come and put yourself out there. Don't be afraid of people that might be better than you.

"I have been put down for something that I like, but I overlook the negativity. It's what I want to do so I keep pushing for what I want."

Fleming is a point guard when it comes to playing on the real court, but found herself carving out a career in the front-court in the virtual world.

The Tennessee native values Candace Parker as her role model having both attended UT, Knoxville, and looks to make a difference on the defensive end whilst modelling her virtual style on Giannis Antetokounmpo.

"When I was playing with friends, nobody wanted to play center so that's where I started," she explained. "I was good at it and kept at it.

"I'm a defensive minded player in real life, and that has definitely converted into the virtual game. My biggest strength is defense. I think that great defense leads to easy offense and defense wins Championships, so I definitely take pride in that.

"I really like Giannis, he's my favorite player. He likes to do flashy stuff. He finishes great in the paint and that is my area of focus.

"I don't really have any role models in the virtual world as I consider myself as a kind of pioneer."

You can see USA in action at the FIBA Esports Open 2020 for the first time this weekend as they compete in the North & Central America Conference on December 19-20..

They take on Canada, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Honduras and Puerto Rico for the right to be the inaugural champions.

FIBA