On Tuesday, USA Basketball announced that IUP head women's coach Tom McConnell was selected to serve on the coaching staff for the Women's U16 National Team, which will compete later this summer in the 2021 FIBA Americas U16 Championship. 

Below are statements from Coach McConnell.

On this opportunity from USA Basketball:
It's just an amazing opportunity to be able to work with some of our country's finest coaches and most outstanding players, what an honor. My thought is, like they always say, this is a dream come true, but this is so amazing that I think this is something that I could never even have dreamed of. It's just a blessing. I feel honored to be considered, and it's a privilege. I'm really looking forward to serving coach Phillips and our players and helping them make this one of the most meaningful experiences of their life.

His feelings on the selection:
It is a special feeling to be part of USA Basketball and I am honored and humbled for the opportunity to coach some of the best players and work alongside some of the best coaches in our country on the world stage. I am thankful and look forward to serving Coach Sue Phillips and hope to make it a memorable experience for our players. 

This opportunity would not have come my way without the joyous experience of the last eight years. I have coached amazing players and worked with some great coaches at IUP, which is truly a great place to work and teach.
 
I am looking forward to Indianapolis and beginning the process of working with our players and coaches. 

On what this selection means for the IUP women's basketball program:
This selection shows that IUP is recognized throughout the country as an outstanding program. My hope is that the added exposure of me being part of USA Basketball opens doors for more potential student-athletes who want to be part of the IUP women's basketball program. I also hope that our current and former players are proud knowing that they played a huge part in affording me this great opportunity. 

On what this selection means for him as a coach:
I always talk to our players about growing and challenging yourself every day, so this is an example of that and the perfect opportunity for me to do exactly that. Any time that you have a chance to be around outstanding coaches and players like this is a great time to learn and grow in your craft.