As 17 of the country’s top players arrived in Durham, North Carolina, for USA Basketball’s December 2025 Women’s National Team camp, there was no denying the sense of newness that permeated the air. The camp was the first since Sue Bird was named the managing director of the Women’s National Team, and also the first with Kara Lawson serving as the USA Women’s National Team head coach.
Additionally, 10 players made their senior national team camp debut, and two of the three court coaches, Nate Tibbetts and Natalie Nakase, got their first experience with the USA Women’s National Team.
“I think what we’re all hopeful for this first camp is having it be a tone setter,” Bird said. “Like, what is it to wear USA on your chest? What is it to play for this team? This is the first time everybody’s together. And we’ll also want to have a sense of clarity on what our identity is going to be.”
After spending most of the last four months recovering from multiple leg injuries, Caitlin Clark shared her excitement ahead of USA Basketball Training Camp.
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) December 13, 2025
Several of the new players, none of whom are older than 25, are world champions with USA Basketball from their teenage and collegiate years. Oftentimes, they joined forces to win those gold medals.
Now, in preparation for their first senior national team assignments, the group, consisting of Paige Bueckers, JuJu Watkins, Cameron Brink, Veronica Burton, Sonia Citron, Caitlin Clark, Kiki Iriafen, Rickea Jackson and Angel Reese, is reuniting to bring about the changing of the guard for USA Basketball as it enters the cycle for the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028.
Watkins, who is still recovering from a torn ACL she suffered in March during the NCAA Tournament, didn’t participate in the on-court drills, but benefited from being in an environment where she could learn from experienced USA Basketball veterans and coaches.
“I think there’s so much to learn,” Watkins said. “From an observing standpoint, the attention to detail, the leadership, the communication, it’s unmatched, and definitely something that I can get better at and can continue to get to grow in.”
Similarly, in working with WNBA coaches and players, Betts got a preview of what she can expect next season as a hopeful WNBA prospect. The 6-7 center is currently projected to be drafted in the first round of the 2026 WNBA Draft.
“I feel like I’m getting a little bit of a head start because of all the people who are here,” Betts said. “It is really cool to see their style of play, how quick everything is, how aggressive everyone is. It’s definitely an amazing opportunity for me to get to learn a little bit of what I’m walking into next year, and hoping just for now, just being able to grow into who I want to be.”
