Sue Bird Sipa USA

Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi to play in record fifth Olympics, tying Teresa Edwards

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 6/21/21

USA Basketball announced its 12-member women's roster for this summer's Tokyo Olympics on Monday.

Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi will head to the Olympics for the fifth time, joining Teresa Edwards as the only basketball players in U.S. history to play in five.

There are also six first-time Olympians, including reigning WNBA MVP A'ja Wilson. The others set to compete in their first Olympics are Ariel Atkins, Napheesa Collier, Skylar Diggins-Smith, Chelsea Gray and Jewell Loyd.

Sylvia Fowles was picked for her fourth Olympics, and Tina Charles will be on her third Olympic squad. Both Brittney Griner and Breanna Stewart were selected for the second time.

South Carolina's Dawn Staley is the Olympic team coach. Retired Seattle head coach Dan Hughes, Minnesota head coach Cheryl Reeve and Connecticut team president Jennifer Rizzotti will be assistants on Staley's staff.

For the States. For the history. For the gold.

Our team to go for seven consecutive Olympic gold medals at @Tokyo2020

#USABWNT x @TeamUSA pic.twitter.com/2G0zrlXNLh
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) June 21, 2021

Elena Delle Donne was not picked for the roster due to ongoing back issues, and Nneka Ogwumike was also not selected as she's dealing with a knee sprain.

The Americans will look for their seventh consecutive gold medal when the Olympics get underway next month. They are in a group with France, Nigeria and Japan.

More must-reads: