Jan 20, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers guard Mara Braun (10) shoots as Michigan State Spartans guard Moira Joiner (22) defends during the first half at Williams Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Gophers' Mara Braun among star-studded USA women's AmeriCup trials roster

Originally posted on Minnesota Golden Gophers on SI
By Tony Liebert | Last updated Jun 9, 2025 12:54 PM ET

Gophers star guard Mara Braun is one of 21 players on the USA Women's AmeriCup trials roster. The FIBA AmeriCup is the main qualifying tournament for the World Cup among nations from the Americas. The USA team will include exclusively college athletes.

21 athletes have accepted invites to #AmeriCupW trials.

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The 2025 FIBA Women's AmeriCup will take place June 28-July 6 in Santiago, Chile. pic.twitter.com/V6PNXBCghA
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) June 9, 2025

Braun has experience competing at the national level, winning a gold medal with Team USA at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 Nations League Final. This event is a traditional five-on-five competition between Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Mexico, Puerto Rico and the US.

"I'm incredibly honored and excited to be invited to the 2025 USA AmeriCup Trials," Braun said in a release. "Having another opportunity to represent my country and compete alongside so many talented athletes is a dream come true. I'm ready to work hard and grow through this experience."

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Braun has dealt with injuries each of the last two seasons. She has played in only 27 games over the last two years, but her spot on the team is confirmation that she's among the sport's best when healthy.

The US brought 12 players to the 2023 AmeriCup, and Braun will have her work cut out for herself to make the final team. Other players competing for a roster spot include LSU's Flau'Jae Johnson, Notre Dame star Hannah Hildago and Duluth, Minnesota native Gianna Kneepkens.

The trials will take place on June 16-19 in in Colorado Springs. The final roster will be annoucned shortly after before the team travels to Santiago, Chile, for the 2025 FIBA Women’s AmeriCup on June 28-July 6.