The Winston-Salem Stealers Girls Basketball Program

Since 1996.

A Little Bit About USA Basketball per their web site (www.usasbasketball.com):
USA Basketball was founded and organized in 1974. Also known as the Amateur Basketball Association of the United States of America (ABAUSA). The changing of their name to USA Basketball came on October 12, 1989, after FIBA modified its rules to allow professional basketball players to take part in international competitions. USA Basketball then admitted the National Basketball Association (NBA) as an active member and made the change.

USA Basketball is where our country's future Olympians are identified, developed, trained and selected for international play.

USA Basketball has five member categories:
1) Professional
2) Collegiate
3) Scholastic (National Federation of High Schools)*
4) Youth (Amateur Athletic Union)*
5) Associate (National Basketball Coaches Association & Women's Basketball Coaches Association)*

* = Coach Robinson is a member of each association.

Our program has been involved with USA Basketball since June of 2003. Below you can find some some history of the Winston-Salem Stealers' involvement with USA Basketball.

Chante' Black was the first player from our program to be invited to participate in a USA Basketball Trial. Chante' was one of thirty-plus girls in the United States to participate in the Youth Developmental Festival in June of 2003.

Coach Robinson was one of thirty club and high school coaches to attend the first USA Basketball Coaches Clinic held in June of 2005 in onjunction with the Youth Developmental Olympic Festival. 

Two North Carolina High School Players, Joy Cheek and Kristen Phillips, were part of the Y.D.O.F.

Paul Westhead, former head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, and a number of other professional and college programs, was one of the guest speakers for the event.

Coach Robinson was selected to be the head coach of USA Basketball's Blue Team for the 2007 Youth Developmental Festival. Coach Robinson's Team Roster was as follows with the college they originally committed to: Alyssia Brewer (Tennessee), Jasmine Dixon (Rutgers), Ayana Dunning (L.S.U.), Kelly Farris (Connecticut), Ashley Gayle (Texas), Lexie Gerson (Virginia), Glory Johnson (Tennessee), Alicia Manning (Tennessee), Casey Morris (California), Shay Shelby (Duke), Chay Shegog (U.N.C.), Ieasia Walker (South Carolina). Assistant Coach: Sherri Retif (Germantown Academy High School).

Coach Robinson's Team came in second place, picking up the silver medal in the games.

Katheryn Lyons had the opportunity to play against the future Gold Medal USA Olympic Basketball Team during her freshman year at the University of Maryland.

In her second scrimmage game of the season, the Terrapins hosted the USA Team.  Katheryn got the opportunity to guard Diana Taurasi, Sue Bird and a number of other Olympians during the scrimmage.

Katheryn also got into the act offensively, hitting two three pointers in the game.

Coach Robinson was selected to be part of a five-member committee for the USA Basketball U16 National Team in 2008, and began serving in 2009. Coach Robinson's responsibility was to identify potential candidates to tryout for the team and then help give input on selecting the roster for the squad. Coach Robinson was not allowed to have any input on players from his program once the selection process for trials began for inviting or selecting of players.

The other four original members of the committee and the level they represented are as follows:  Jody Patrick (PV - Vogues AAU), Sue Phillips (Archbishop Mitty HS - California), Jill Meerman (NFHS), and Jamie Carey (Former USA Player; Collegiate Player for Stanford University and the University of Texas, and the Connecticut Sun (WNBA).

Ruthis Bolton, a two-time gold medalists on the USA Women's Basketball Team, took the place of Jamie Carey in 2010.

The twelve member team that was selected by this committee to compete in the summer of 2009 went undefeated and won the Gold Medal in Mexico.

The twelve member team selected in 2010 will play in France in July. Our committee also selected the first 3 on 3 Team that will compete in the World Championships in Singapore in July.

Coach Robinson's term with this USA Basketball Program is three years.

Above pictures (L-R):  2009 U16 Trials Taam Photo, 2010 Youth Development Committee, 2010 Coach R:) with Committee Member Ruthie Bolton.

Megan Buckland became the second player and third person from our program to be invited to a USA Basketball Program. In 2009, Megan was one of thirty-four girls invited to the first U16 FIBA World Championships Tryouts. Megan wrote a blog about her experience during the trials which you can read below.

Day 1 - USA Basketball Trials:

Anxious, Excited, Nervous. I'm sure there are other adjectives I could add to describe how I felt as I prepared for my 7 AM flight to Colorado Springs. I had so much nervous energy that I couldn't sleep on my flight to Atlanta. Once in Atlanta, I went to Starbucks. Little did I know it was the last caffine fix that I would have for the duration of trials. The flight from Atlanta to Colorado was one of the longest flights ever. Would I ever get to the Olympic Training Center?

Once in Colorado Springs, it didn't take long for me to notice the altitude change. I was out of breath by the time I reached baggage claim. There were 2 representatives waiting for all the trial participants and it seemed like everyone was staring at us. All I could do was smile. I was trying out for the U16 National Team. I was here representing every hard-working, consistent yet non-flashy girl basketball player. I was representing Coach R., the Stealers and my high school. I prayed for success!!!

As we gathered our bags, we were led to a bus with "USA Training Center" on the side. I couldn't help but wonder what great Olympians may have ridden that same bus.

The first thing we did upon arriving at the training center was to check in, get our meal card, room key, athlete badge and jersey. OMG!!!! Chills!!! It finally hit me that I was here also to represent my country. What an honor!! This was the biggest thing I have ever accomplished.

We were given a to-do list prior to our first session. We had to take our bags to our room, receive our tour of the training center, have a medical screening, and have our individual photo taken.

Next, we were off to the cafeteria for lunch. While there, Carol Callan, USA Basketball Chair / Director, let us know Michael Phelps was in line for his lunch. MICHAEL PHELPS!!! I bolted from my seat and was first in line to have my picture with him. It was fabulous!!!

Later that day, we went for orientation. I was first in the room and sat right up front and then waited for everyone else to arrive. (I was always early for every session, meeting and optional shooting sessions. Something you learn playing for Coach R.) Mrs. Callan talked to us about expectations and how everyone in the room had the skills to be here. We watched a highlight film of the USA Women's Basketball Olympic Teams. Chills again!! I had to pinch myself. Was I really here experiencing this?!

We were then introduced to the coaching staff and all of the supporting staff, including the evaluators. Coach Barbara Nelson, the Head Coach of the U16 Team, then spoke to us about the opportunity before us and how excited she was for the opportunity she has.

We then went for our first gym session. I had so much nervous energy. Our first drill was a lay-up drill. How many of those have we done before?! Well, not at this speed. This was a whole different speed than I have ever played. My first lay-up was right off the backboard. Not what I was wanting to happen! After that I settled down and began to play like I know I can. We ran through some drills and then began to scrimmage. We played with a 24 second shot clock, the same they use for international competition.

Once the scrimmage was complete, I was pleased with how I had done. I thought I had proved that I should be here. There were some tremendous players here but I felt I had held my own. The competition was very intense.

My dad, one of my biggest fans, was there with me and I got to see him for just a few minutes. Then it was off to dinner. Great food, but not as exciting as lunch... no Phelps sightings. Laundry had to be turned in by certain times or it was smelly jersey for the next day.

We shared a room with one other participant. Once I got back to my room, I took a deep breath (which was still not an easy task due to the altitude). My first day of tryouts was over. It was time for bed as we have more sessions on Friday.

Day 2 - 

On Friday morning when I got up, I was still anxious about tryouts.  I still couldn’t believe I was actually in Colorado Springs at the Olympic Training Center trying out for a USA team.  Our first session of the day was to begin at 8:30am.  After I was finished getting ready, I headed down to the cafeteria for breakfast.  The food was all so healthy!  It was definitely going to take some getting used to eat like this.  When I finished eating breakfast I headed over to the gym for our first session.  I got there around 8am and was the first one in the gym.  I was so excited about our first full day of tryouts! 

Around 8:30am, we started stretching for the long day ahead of us.  We started off with some shooting drills to get us loose and going.  After those drills, we were split into teams to learn plays.  We were taught a few offense plays and a few out of bounds plays.  When we finished going the plays, we scrimmaged the rest of the session.  The games were the quickest I had ever played.  With a 24 second shot clock, it made the games even faster.  Every one of the girls there were the best dribblers, shooters, passers, and scorers in the country.  I knew I would have to play my absolute best to have a shot at making the team. 

After we got done scrimmaging, we had until 3pm to hang out and have a break.  During the break, I went to lunch, took a much needed nap, and started some of my homework from the school days I missed.  I also wrote down the plays we went through earlier so that when we would walk through them again, I would be ready.

From 3-4pm, we had team offenses walkthrough.  So at 2:15pm, I headed back over to the gym.  Again, I was the first one there, so I got some extra shooting in while I waited for everyone else to arrive.  During the offensive walkthrough, we went over the few plays we had learned earlier and added a couple more.  When we finished the walkthrough, we had about 2 hours until we had to be back at the gym.  During the short break my friend Malina (from Ohio) and I went to the cafeteria to grab a small bite to eat.  When we finished eating, we walked around the campus of the Training Center to take pictures.

At 5:45pm, our last session of the day started.  We started with the stretching we did before each session. Then we split up as guards and posts to do some drills before scrimmaging again.  We scrimmaged the rest of the night and by the time we were done, I was wore out.  The extreme focus and intensity you had to bring for that number of hours was exhausting.  But I loved every minute of it and knew I didn’t want to be anywhere else!!  When we finished the scrimmages, we went to eat dinner (and trust me I ate more than I ever have) in the cafeteria and watch the Orlando vs. Cavaliers NBA playoff game.  After I finished eating, I went back to the dorms, took a shower, and went to bed.  It was another long day and I had another long one coming up tomorrow.  I went to bed thanking God for such an amazing opportunity he had laid before me and asked that we would help me use it to the most potential.

Day 3 Today was Saturday.  That meant this was my last full day to really impress all the evaluators that were selecting the team.  I woke up refreshed and re-energized.  Our first session didn't start until 9am, so I went to the cafeteria and got a nice, big breakfast.  (The cafeteria was great, good fun and lots of it!)  While I was eating, I realized Michael Phelps was sitting just on the other side of the cafeteria!  This made me realize and remember once again what I was doing in Colorado and what my mission was while I was out there. 

At 8:30am, I got to the gym to do some extra shooting and stretching before another long day.  All we would be doing today was scrimmages so that the evaluators could watch us play.  So at 9:30am, we began to play.  We did about 10 minutes of shooting drills to loosen up then we began playing.  We were put on teams of about 6-8 girls so that there would be more teams and more games.  Once again, the speed at which we played was so fast.  The talent of all the girls was so impressive and was totally mind-boggling when I played with them and watched them when I wasn’t playing.  At 11am, we were done with the first session of the day.  Only two more left until we found out who would make the team!  Out next session of the day didn't begin until 5pm, so we had a nice, long break. During the break, my dad and I went to the gift shop to get some souvenirs.  We got shirts and sweatshirts and then a few things for mom and Michael back at home.  When we left the store, I went to lunch and dad went back to his hotel because I was not allowed to leave the campus. 

After lunch, I went back to my room to do some school work and take a nap.  At about 4pm, I went back down to the cafeteria to grab a snack before going back to the gym.  So after having some fruit and a grilled cheese sandwich (which I ate for every meal except breakfast!), I went to the gym. From 5pm-7pm we had our last session for the day.  A bunch of the girls were beginning to get tired and began to complain about all the playing and scrimmaging we were doing.  They wanted the easy route, but I knew we were not brought out to tryouts for the easy path.  I knew that by staying strong mentally, it would help me in the long run.  During this session, all we did was scrimmage again.  At 7pm, when we were done for the day, I was worn out and sore.  I was asked to do an interview and a quick video for ESPN Hoopgirls!  I had fun with the video!  After that I was ready for dinner then back to my room.  I went to bed early and was anxious knowing that the next day was a really big day.  I would find out if I made the team!!!  I had everyone I knew praying although I knew my part was over with.  It was up to the evaluators at this point!!

Day 4 - This blog is one of the hardest things I have had to do. The emotions of this day are still so vivid and raw but I hope you can understand.

As  you can imagine, I woke up Sunday as anxious as ever. Today we were to find out if we made the team or if we would be heading back home. We only had one session for the  day and it was to begin at 8:30 am. So I went to breakfast and over at the gym at 8:00 am ready to go.

Most of the other girls had given up during the last couple of days at tryouts because they were easy lazy or had in their minds they weren't going to make the team. In my mind, I tried to keep a positive attitude. I wanted to make the team! During the last session, I still went my hardest and gave it all I had in me. For the last session, we scrimmaged the entire teime. When we were done with the scrimmages, we stretched and were to head down to the room where we had had previous meetings during the tryouts.

I was the first one down to the room and I couldn't hardly breathe I was so nervous. As I'm writing this now, I am getting chills and loss of breath because of how memorable this moment was for me. Once we all got into the room, Carol, the team director, came p and talked to us before announcing the team. She reminded us to have composure, whether we made the team or not.

Before she read off the list of those who make the team, she told us she would be reading the list alphabetically according to last name. I remember thinking "Great, at least I would find out quickly if I made the team". Once Carol got past the "B's", I stopped listening. My head was spinning and I couldn't think straight. I was at a complete loss of words and breath.  After she read the list, we were dismissed from the room to go to our parents and back to our rooms to pack.

Seeing my dad outside the room didn't hep me at all. I just ran up to him and gave him the biggest hug ever. He knew by my actions and tears that I hadn't made the team. I felt like I had let him and my family down. I felt like I had let all of my friends and everyone who had been praying for me down. I tried to congratulate the girls who had made the team, but all they got from me was a pat on the back. I was not able to speak because I was so upset.

At this point, all I really wanted to do was get back to my room so I could pack and get out of there. I was completely jealous of all the other girls who had made the team... I still am today. When I got back to the room and was packing, I remember thinking how much I didn't want to go home and see everyone, no matter how much I missed them. I wanted more than anything else in the world to stay out in Colorado until Thursday (which meant I had made the team!)

Once I had my bags packed, my dad drove me to the airport to drop me off for my flight back home. I was still emotional but I had realized I had done the best I could during tryouts. I know what I need to work on now in order to even be able to have the opportunity to go back there again. I had decided to keep on some of my USA Apparel and wear it with pride.

Sure I didn't make the team, but I had the opportunity of a lifetime. I had the opportunity that kids dream of...wearing a jersey with USA on it. That jealousy I carry has sparked determination. I will work even harder to get invited back next year. I know that God put me out there for many reasons, and while I am still trying to figure out some of those reasons out, I know that he has a special purpose for my life with basketball and I can't wait to see where he takes me next!

Thanks to all of you who support me and the young ladies in the Stealers' Program. Your prayers were felt daily and I am thankful to be part of such a wonderful organization!

Here are some links to the USA Basketball U16 Trials:

Hoopgurlz.com Breaking Down The Participants.

Full Court Press Player Recap From USA Basketball.

May 30: Trials are now over, and our committee picked the final roster of twelve players on Sunday Night that will compete in Mexico later in June. The trials were very competitive, and the level of talent in the 2013, 2014 and 2015 classes was incredible and deep.  The team will be announced on Monday, so I won't post that here. You can find that out by using the links below later on Monday.  My flight leaves Colorado Springs at 6:00 AM (MST) with a connection in Chicago again.  Overall, it was a great experience. When I get home, I'll begin posting pictures from the trials as well as some news and notes that I took away from the event.  I think many of the tips that I received will help our program participants if trying out for USA Basketball is something they would like to do some day.

May 29: We are on our last full day of trials. Yesterday, we had to get our list from 115 participants to 52, so cuts were tough. Today we have to make more cuts to eventually get to a team of 12.  The talent level is incredible for this age group and competition for spots is tight. Unfortunately, our own Cameron Nieters, did not make through the first wave of cuts, but as a consolation, was invited to participate on the 10 member USA Baketball Exchange Program Team to play in Russia July 6-18.  I had to be out of the conversation when it came time to decide whether she would move on or not in the trials. As a committee, we have to also do an evaluation for each participant, so again, our day will be busy. Three sessions today in all, beginning with an 8:00 meeting at the complex. The girls have been through a drug testing class, and a college recruitment class led by former Duke and USA Basketball Player Abby Waner.  Keep checking back for more updates as we go through the day.
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May 28: Yesterday was a long, but fun day.  We started the day at 8:00 AM and worked our way through the six workouts, had dinner, an after-dinner meeting and then finally got done around 11:30 PM.  We'll be back at it today, with the first session at 8:30 AM followed by the first cuts.  The participants are working hard, and the talent level is solid, so eventually getting down to twelve players is going to be tough.  I know I keep saying I'll post some pictures (and I have a lot of them), but they'll have to wait for now.  Off to the gym, where I'll be with the committee, again, until late in the evening.
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May 27: Last night, the participants had their first on-court session. They ran through basic fundamentals on footwork, passing and shooting.  There were two groups of sixty each. One group went through a USA Basketball Seminar while the other was on the court.  Then, they flip-flopped. Former University of Colorado Head Coach Ceil Berry ran the workouts. This morning, we have our trials photos, then two sessions of skill work, before the first session of scrimmaging tonight.  It should be an interesting day, since there are three sessions for each group (6 total), and our committee has to start pairing down the number of participants. Participants were encouraged to drink lots of water, and eat properly, as today will be tough.  Overall, the atmosphere is great. Michael Phelps is once again training in the swimming complex across from the basketball facility. The mountain tops have snow on them, while our area is around 70-75 degrees.   We ate last evening at the Cheyenne Mountain Resort as a committee, and as always the USA Basketball Staff is as first-class as they come.   I'm now off to start the day (it is 4:50 AM here, as I type). If i have some time in between sessions, I will post another update.  You can always click the links below in the first post (May 25) to other updates.
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May 26: Coach R:) is now in Colorado Springs; airports are always an adventure.  The flight from Greensboro to Chicago was delayed, then not, then had mechanical problems, and two other flights heading to Chicago were cancelled. Thus, "the world" :) was trying to get on our flight, which led to some "not-so-nice discussions between passengers and workers" at the gate.  Finally we departed, landed in Chicago late (it was 48 degrees there and walking outside in shorts from the plane to the gate wasn't a party), and I had 15 minutes to get from Terminal F to Terminal C, so I sprinted and got to the gate just in time to board.  Several participants and some of the trial coaches and evaluators are delayed in other parts of the country due to the weather, so I am happy to be here safe and sound.  The first session starts at 4:30 (MST or 6:30 your time), and we'll finish at 8:30.  I hope to post some pictures and a new update either later tonight or at some point on Friday.
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May 25: Coach Robinson :) will begin his blog from the USA Basketball U16 Trials in Colorado Springs, Colorado on Thursday, May 26th. 

The U16 Trials are the grassroots portion of, possibly, participating in the actual Olympics someday.

In the past, USA Basketball has invited 32-36 participants to the trials. This season, for the first time, USA Basketball has opened the trials to 121 participants.  The first 35 will have their expenses paid, but no guarantees to make the first cut or make the team. The next 86, including our own Cameron Nieters, have to pay for all of their expenses, with again, no guarantees of making it past the first cut.

I am on the five-person committee that selects the actual U16 Team, but have little or no say on who gets to attend tryouts.

I know, in the past, folks have asked me to put a "good word" in for their kids to attend these trials. I am not allowed to be in the conversation if it involves anyone that participates in my programs. The player has to earn the right to be invited on their own merit. (I put a disclaimer on that on the "292 Travel Team, Skills, and More..." page on this site under "What the Program Does Not Promote or Promise") in 2009. This is an international / government-sponsored program and this is truly one of the first organizations I have worked for that won't let "favorites" or "playing politics" come into play when selecting participants for the trials or the team; there is too much at stake as they are looking for potentially, the next set of Olympians.

For those interested in USA Basketball for 2012, Coach R:) recommends that you play hard at the DI College Coaching Events that you attend. Scouts are everywhere, and they help present names to the USA Basketball Office. Once your name goes into the pool, then you'll be contacted by the staff in Colorado.

USA Basketball is a great program, and I hope you enjoy my blogs, when I have time to update, beginning on Thursday, May 26th!!!

You can also click HERE or HERE to also follow the action from May 26-30.

The USA Basketball U16 that Coach Robinson:) helped select to participate in FIBA Americans Championship in Meridia, Mexico won the Gold Medal Saturday Night, June 18th, 73-40 over Brazil. 

This marks the third year in a row that the selection committee that Coach R:) has been part of has picked the 12 player squad that has gone on to win the gold in the FIBA Americas Championship (the beginning stages leading to the Olympics).

Cameron Nieters received the opportunity to tryout for the 2011 U16 Team in May.  She did not make the team, but received an opportunity to participate on the USA Basketball Exchange Team which will play in Russia July 6-18, 2011.

Current Stealer Cameron Nieters is participating on the USA Basketball / Russian Exchange Program July 6-18. She, along with nine other players from the United States, are taking part in the program headed by Jody Patrick of the Potomac Valley AAU Association.

Cameron's email and Internet Access will be limited in Russia, but she will send updates as often as she can.

July 5, 2011: Today I flew from PTIA to Washington, DC. The flight was supposed to be an hour but it turned out to be only 45 minutes. The hardest part was saying goodbye to my family who I wouldn't see again for 15 days. Once we landed in DC, we went immediately to George Mason University where we had practice. Already we learned 3 plays. After practice, all twenty of the athletes (10 boys / 10 girls) plus the coaches were STARVING. We checked in at the Mason Inn, then walked across campus to eat dinner. We ate with the Saudi Arabian girls national team who were here in America for their version of our exchange program. They were fluent in English which makes me feel terrible that I know ZERO Russian! There is only one club team in Saudi Arabia for girls basketball. We met them all and talked to them about their experiences so far in America, and what we should expect for tomorrow. I am so nervous and excited at the same time! I can't wait to be in Russia!

July 6-7: This has been an interesting day to say the least. Yesterday we got to the airport about an hour and a half later than scheduled. When we left out of DC, they had overbooked the flight so four lucky people from our group were upgraded to first class. I got an emergency row seat, which was nice, except the closest person from my group was more than three rows behind me. The flight was LONG. I only got to sleep about an hour out of the ten, but I brushed up on my reality TV Shows and silly movies. We got to Russia about noon their time, so 4 a.m. yours, and I was exhausted. On the bus to our training facility I took the meaning of the phrase "Power Nap" to a whole 'nother level. I slept more on the bus that I did on the plane. It took us about 2 hours to get through traffic in Moscow. Once we were at the hotel, we ate lunch. Definitely not what I'd been used to eating. It was a three course meal of salad, soup, and chicken. After lunch, we had the option of going to exchange money, going to the gym to shoot, or free time. I chose to run across the street to exchange money. The currency here is called Ruben, and it exchanges 26 Rubens to 1 U.S. Dollar. So for my $140.00 I look like a Russian heiress. We went to the grocery store to buy some water. One small bottle was 15 Rubens. Sure, it seems like a lot, but I was able to pay for it with the coins. When we came back, I went down to the gym and got some shots off. We all showered, and headed to dinner. Honestly, dinner was pretty nasty. I think I had a few cucumbers and some mashed potatoes, skipping everything else included in the 3 course meal. After dinner, a group of us played cards for a few hours in the lobby with one of the boy's team coaches. One really weird thing here is that the sun didn't set until after 10 P.M. I went to bed early because of my lack of sleep. It didn't take my body long to get used to the new time zone. I slept for 9 and a half hours. When I woke up, I changed to go down to breakfast. At breakfast, I didn't feel the greatest. They brought out some weird form of toast thing that smelled terrible. I sprinted upstairs to my room, sick. I got I sick about 6 times after that, so they made me stay at the hotel this morning instead of going to the Kremlin. TOTAL BUMMER! I finally took a nap about 10:30, and woke up at 1:00. I took a cold shower and now I feel perfect! The group should be back any time now, so at least I'll be able to see pictures. Tonight, we have a dinner at the PAO's house. Hopefully, I'll be able to do that!

July 10-11: We had our first of three workouts for the day, and our first with the Russian Basketball Team. It was fun, and we spent most of the time explaining things to them which is hard because we don't speak Russian and they don't speak English. We are at the Trinita Camp just outside of Moscow. Our team's schedule was changed last night so we went to Disco last night (more on that coming soon).  We did a river city boat tour before practice, and on the same river, a boat sank on the same day. Not very encouraging!  Anyway, we finally had an American Dish... HAMBURGERS!!! I ate my fill and then some. We have corn for breakfast.?  We are practicing a lot and are getting set to play soon. On Thursday this week, we take a 4:00 A.M. Trip to St. Petersburg for the next stage of the trip.

July 12-13:  Monday we had a 5 on 5 tournament mixed in with the Russians. On my team, we had 3 Americans and 2 Russians. It was hard to communicate during the game, but we learned the Russian words for screen, switch, and ball. Yesterday, we had shooting competitions by team. It was a lot of fun. My team selected me to do the 3 point shooting, which was hard since the international line is 2.5 feet out from our 3 point line. We are supposed to figure out today who won. The guys finished up with a slam dunk competition, which was really fun to watch. Today is our last day at Trinta. We have a chalk drawing competition this morning, and then more team relays. We pack up, and leave Moscow at 4 am Thursday morning to take a train to St Petersburg. I have learned so much while I've been here, it's been a wonderful experience. I've made sure to get all the Russians we've played with's names down so I can add them all on Facebook :) I'll send some pictures as soon as I can!
Below is a picture of Cameron with USA Teammate Kelly Hayes from California.

July 14-16: We woke up at 4am on Thursday to take a train to St Petersburg. The train went 200 km/hr, and it traveled through the rural areas of Russia. We got to St Petersburg at 10 am, and honestly the city looked exactly like Moscow! Originally, the plan was for us to all stay at the Olympic Training Center. But as we all know plans change, and it turns out they only had room for the guys to stay there. The first hotel we were going to stay at was possibly the worst one I've ever seen; it didn't even have a shower! We moved hotels to one much better, and got a good nights sleep. They call St Petersburg the city of white nights.. Now I know why! The sun didn't set until after 11:30, and it rose around 4 am.

The next morning we went to tour Peterhouf, which is one of Peter the Great's summer castles. To me, the prettiest part was the gardens and fountains outside. We didn't spend much time there though because it was raining. We went back to the OTC and had a practice, this time with only the Americans, in preparation for the Saturdays events. After the workout we lifted, then had a nice core workout, followed by a nice dip in the pool.

We had a night tour of the city from the bus. We saw tons of historic buildings, but since it was still raining all my pictures were pretty bad.

This morning, we had a practice with the 15U Russian national team. They were pretty good, but spoke even less English than the girls back at Trinta. After practice we had another core workout, this time with the Russian girls. We ate lunch, then left for the train station to go back to Moscow. It's hard for me to believe that I've been here for 11 days, and even harder to know I only have 2 left!