PHOENIX — Two members of the Phoenix Mercury have been selected to participate in the upcoming USA Basketball Women’s National Team training camp in December.
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Aug 28, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) celebrates a three point shot against the Chicago Sky in the second half at Phx Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts will serve as a court coach, and guard Kahleah Copper will join the camp as a player. The camp will run from Dec. 12–14 at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina.
Copper is familiar with the national team program, having played on the 2024 U.S. Olympic team and winning gold. She competed alongside stars such as teammate Alyssa Thomas, A’ja Wilson, Kelsey Plum and Mercury legend Diana Taurasi.
A three-time All-Star and WNBA champion, Copper’s invitation reinforces her status as one of the elite players in the league.
Jun 1, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Phoenix Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts looks on during the first half against the Los Angeles Sparks at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Tibbetts, who recently finished his second season as a WNBA head coach, will be working with USA Basketball for the first time. His selection signals his growth in women’s basketball and the program’s confidence in his player-development approach, showing his coaching philosophy is gaining national recognition.
Though it is only a three-day camp, the Mercury will have a player sharpening her skills against some of the top talent in the country, and a head coach gaining insight into high-level decision-making and leadership that could translate back to Phoenix.
Aug 9, 2024; Paris, France; United States forward Kahleah Copper (7) dribbles the ball in a women’s basketball semifinal game during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Accor Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Other players participating in the camp include Plum, Chelsea Gray, Brittney Griner and Jackie Young.
The team will be led by head coach Kara Lawson, along with fellow court coaches Natalie Nakase and Stephanie White.
The 🇺🇸 #USABWNT Is Back‼️
18 athletes will attend training camp Dec. 12-14 in Durham, North Carolina. pic.twitter.com/qp4lK9rOXq
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) November 24, 2025
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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