Kelsi Andrews, a South Carolina incoming freshman, has earned a spot on the USA Basketball U18 National Team that will represent the country at the FIBA U18 AmeriCup in Irapuato, Mexico, from June 9-15. Andrews arrives after a standout high school career marked by resilience, having overcome a knee injury that limited her senior season.
The tournament will feature a competitive Group B that includes hosts Mexico, Paraguay, and Argentina. USA Basketball, a dominant force in the event with 12 gold medals — 11 of them consecutive — enters the competition with high expectations. Head coach Niele Ivey, who also serves as an assistant coach for the Notre Dame women's program, will lead a squad that blends seasoned talent with the nation's top 2027 and 2028 recruits.
A Legacy in the Making
Andrews is no stranger to international success. She previously captured gold at the 2024 FIBA U17 World Cup and added a championship at the 2023 FIBA Americas U16 Championship. Her experience on the world stage adds a veteran presence to a young roster that includes teammates such as Oliviyah Edwards, Jezelle Banks, Jordyn Palmer, Sydney Savoury, Kaleena Smith, and Sydney Douglas, all of whom were among the 22 players invited to the tryout camp.
Beyond the court, Andrews' recovery from injury has been closely monitored by the coaching staff and medical team. The staff, which includes Robyn Fralick and Charmin Smith, have expressed confidence that she will be fully ready for the competition. Their optimism reflects a broader trend of careful player development within the program, a philosophy also championed by the University of California, Berkeley and Michigan State, institutions that have contributed to the talent pipeline feeding USA Basketball.
The USA Basketball organization, in partnership with FIBA and local Mexican authorities, will host the event in Irapuato and nearby Leon, providing a vibrant setting for the athletes and fans alike. With the tournament schedule spanning June 9 to June 12 for group play and knockout rounds beginning on June 13, the stage is set for Andrews and her teammates to add another chapter to a storied legacy.