Erin Thomas of Princeton High School and Strawberry Blankumsee from Winton Woods have been selected for the USA Basketball Women’s U17 National Team trials, a prestigious invitation that places them among the nation’s top rising talent.
The trials will commence on May 21 at the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where the prospects will showcase their abilities before the national coaching staff.
Thomas arrives with a strong statistical profile, having averaged 19.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.9 steals and 1.9 assists during the recent season, while Blankumsee posted 14.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.1 steals for her team.
Both athletes helped their schools to notable finishes; Princeton captured a second straight Division I state runner‑up title, and Winton Woods reached the Division II regional semifinals.
The upcoming roster will represent graduating classes of 2026 through 2029, reflecting a deep pool of emerging talent.
A Legacy of Excellence
USA Basketball’s track record of dominance is not just a statistic; it reflects a sustained investment in player development and a culture that prizes excellence on the international stage.
The United States has a storied history in this competition, boasting six championships in seven editions, including three consecutive titles, and an all‑time record of 50‑1.
The 2026 tournament will feature 16 national squads, underscoring the growing global interest in women’s youth basketball.
After the trials, the selected team will reconvene in Colorado Springs for a training camp in early July before heading to the Czech Republic for the 2026 FIBA U17 Women’s World Cup, scheduled for July 11‑19 in Brno.