10 out of 18 players at the USA Training camp are fresh faces following Kara Lawson’s decision to give young talent a chance to play at the highest level. Top names like Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, Cameron Brink, and Angel Reese got the call-up.
With many young stars on board, Bueckers even gave a shout-out to the class of 2020 for the US Camp. While the training cap call doesn’t guarantee a place on the team, it certainly is one step closer to earning the spot.
No one feels the selection more than Clark, who missed out on the 2024 Olympic squad despite a prolific college career and an impressive WNBA debut. Recently, she reflected on the same.
Caitlin Clark Talks About Her Omission From USA Olympics Squad
The Minnesota Lynx HC led Team USA to its eighth straight gold medal at the summer Olympics. While every player on the roster was deserving, many felt injustice towards the Fever playmaker, who was more than influential and impactful for her team. But CC thinks otherwise.
Answering the question about he omission, Clark said, “I’ve been on teams, and then I’ve had moments where I’ve been cut, and I haven’t been on teams. So you experience all of it, and I think that also speaks to how great USA basketball is and how dominant they are.”
Caitlin Clark at USA Basketball Women's National Team camp 🔥
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) December 12, 2025
Peep the Kobes 😮💨
(via @usabasketball) pic.twitter.com/eYietS83O2
Scroll to continue reading
Trending WNBA News
“There are so many amazing players that have been a part of it and have worn the three letters across their chest, and for me, you never take that for granted. So I’m super excited to be back here and kind of kick off this next cycle,” Clark added.
Even though she gracefully accepted the rejection, she was one of the prospects called for training camp before the Olympics. Sadly, she could attend the camp following the NCAA schedule and commitment.
Yet missing out on the Olympic team doesn’t diminish her impact on Team USA as she has been a shining star for the national side in U-16 and U-19 events.
Aliyah Boston Lauds Caitlin Clark’s Heroics For U-19 World Cup
Representing Team USA in three different FIBA events, Clark won three gold medals and even earned the MVP accolade in the 2021 FIBA U-19 event. During the ongoing training session, her Fever teammate, Aliyah Boston, also recalled one of CC’s impactful games.
Speaking about the most memorable Team USA moment, AB said, “I will definitely say U-19 gold medal when we almost lost because it was the craziest last-minute game ever. Caitlin came and knocked some free throws down, and we won Gold.”
Team USA defeated Team Australia in the finals, needing overtime to clinch the victory. Besides CC’s clutch plays, Bueckers led the side with 17 points, and Boston had 11 rebounds in the win.
As for the upcoming tournament, analyst predicts Caitlin Clark’s starting role on Team USA, leaving no question on selection.