July 14, 2008

Hello all,
Let me start by saying it's been beautiful in Colorado Springs! I arrived here last Wednesday to 90-degree weather. Carol Callan, assistant executive director for USA Basketball met me at the airport. Both of us were very excited to see each other. Carol is one of the most intriguing people I know. She has traveled the world and has worked with several national teams. I love listening to the many adventures she has had with USA basketball. Carol and her staff are all great people, I feel so honored to be a part of the USA Basketball organization. Coaching the U18 national team is an opportunity of a lifetime for me, and I am going to cherish this experience everyday.

The assistants are Terri Mitchel from Marquette University and Bill Finnelly from Iowa State University. They both have been wonderful for me. They have been very supportive and do an outstanding job of helping teach our players the game.

We have some of the best players in the country on this team. None have played a day of college basketball, but all have amazing careers ahead of them. They are all great girls, and I am quickly getting to know them and their personalities. Practices have been very productive. We have less then two weeks before competition in Argentina, while other teams we will face have been practicing for months. We have a lot to do, but we are making strides.

I will get to enjoy the beautiful mountains of Colorado for a couple more days and it's off to Washington DC for more training. After that, we take off for Argentina on a quest to bring home the gold! Until next time,

Go Huskies!