The USA Basketball U18 Women’s National Team, featuring South Carolina incoming freshman Kelsi Andrews, has officially kicked off its campaign at the 2026 FIBA U18 Women’s AmeriCup. The tournament is being held from June 9 to 15, 2026, in Irapuato, Mexico, and also serves as FIBA Americas’ qualifier for the 2027 FIBA Under-19 Women’s Basketball World Cup, with the top four teams earning a spot.
Kelsi Andrews: A Star on the Rise
One of the most compelling stories heading into this tournament is the inclusion of Kelsi Andrews, a highly touted prospect committed to the University of South Carolina. Andrews, a 6-foot-2 forward, was South Carolina’s first 2026 signee, committing in November, and is ranked 30th in ESPN’s 2026 recruiting rankings.
Her selection to the national team is especially meaningful given the adversity she has overcome. Andrews is coming off a knee injury that cost her almost all of her senior season, so it was encouraging for her just to be invited to the team trials. Despite that, she not only earned a roster spot — she arrives with impressive international credentials. Andrews has more international experience than many of her peers and is seeking her third gold medal with USA Basketball, having previously won gold at the 2024 FIBA U17 World Cup and the 2023 FIBA Americas U16 Championship.
The Road to the Roster
A total of 22 players from the class of 2026–28 participated in the USA Basketball Women’s U18 National Team trials in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Andrews was ultimately named to the final 12-player squad. The full roster includes Andrews, Haylen Ayers, Jezelle Banks, Ryan Carter, Sydney Douglas, Bella Flemings, Jayla Forbes, Miciah Fusilier, Jayla Jackson, Jordyn Palmer, Sydney Savoury, and Kaleena Smith. The team participated in a four-day training camp before heading to the AmeriCup.
Notably, fellow South Carolina commit Oliviyah Edwards tried out as well but did not make the final cut. Edwards, a 6-3 forward ranked No. 3 in ESPN’s 2026 class, was originally signed with Tennessee before decommitting and joining the Gamecocks in April.
Group Stage Setup and the Argentina Opener
The USA is in Group B alongside Mexico, Paraguay, and Argentina. Group play runs from June 9 to June 12, with the knockout rounds beginning on June 13. The Americans opened their tournament against Argentina on June 9 — a nation that has historically been a competitive presence in the AmeriCup, finishing third at the 2024 edition.
A Legacy of Dominance
The USA enters the tournament as heavy favorites, backed by one of the most decorated records in the competition’s history. USA Basketball has won 12 gold medals at the U18 Women’s AmeriCup, including 11 consecutive golds. The program has consistently used the tournament as a launching pad for developing elite talent ahead of the global stage.
SEC Representation and Broader Context
The U18 team also features Mikaylah Williams, an LSU teammate of former South Carolina star MiLaysia Fulwiley, and Sahara Williams from Oklahoma — giving the squad strong SEC flavor. MiLaysia Fulwiley herself left South Carolina in April 2025 and transferred to LSU, making the Gamecocks’ presence on the national team roster through Kelsi Andrews all the more significant for the program’s fanbase.
With a storied tradition behind them and a talented new generation stepping up, all eyes will be on how this young American squad performs through the group stage and into the knockout rounds before the tournament concludes on June 15.
