ADDITIONAL QUOTES >> 2010 U.S. Youth Olympic Games Team

Colorado Springs, Colo. - June 11, 2010

Briyona Canty
(Trenton Catholic Academy/Willingboro, N.J.)
How did it feel when you heard your name called as a member of the U.S. Youth Olympic Games Team?
It felt great. Coming in I didn't know what to expect. After they named the team and I got into that team meeting, coach told me more about it, and I got very hyped about it. I think it's great that we're doing something different for the first time.

What are your thoughts on your teammates?
They're great. Andraya, she's my roommate, so we're pretty close. I've built a friendship with both of the big girls, so I think we'll do great.

What do you think about the format of the Youth Olympic Games?
I'm looking forward to it. We just have to go in there and dominate.

How do you think you did during trials?
I think I just never gave up. I kept playing. I played hard. I shot the ball. Last year I didn't really shoot, so this year I showed them that I can shoot, I can go to the basket and I can defend.

Andraya Carter
(Buford High School/Flowery Branch, Ga.)
What did it feel like when you heard your name called as a member of the U.S. Youth Olympic Games Team?
It was exciting because I didn't make it last year. I'm going to have USA across my jersey, and that's all I really wanted this whole time. I thanked God as soon as they called my name because all the hard work paid off. The more I hear about the Youth Olympic Games, the more excited I am.

What will it mean to get the chance to represent the USA?
It means everything. This is all I wanted, to have USA across my jersey. To play for your country and go somewhere else and show people this is how we do it in the USA, just to represent the way we are, it's just a great feeling. I'm so happy.

You participated in trials last year, but didn't make the team. Do you feel like you came back and accomplished what you wanted this year?
I think I did. Last year, I don't think it looked like I belonged. I was kind of there, going through everything. I worked so hard throughout the year, and I think I came out this year, and I played hard. I was comfortable. Last year I was so nervous. This year I just played, and it was fun. It was so much more fun this year. I thank the committee for not picking me last year because it changed my game completely.

Amber Henson
(Sickles H.S./Tampa, Fla.)
How does it feel to make the first-ever U.S. Youth Olympic Games Team?
I'm really excited to be the first team to go to the Youth Olympics, so it's a special experience.

Did you think you'd have a shot to make this team?
I was shooting for the U17 team, but at least I'm not going home. I'm going to make the best out of this experience and try to represent my country the best I can.

How do you think you did during trials?
I think I did well. It was great competition. You can't take a break or anything " everybody's good. I think I did so well in the 3-on-3s during the trials, I think that's probably why I'm on this team.

Kiah Stokes
(Linn Mar High School / Marion, Iowa)
What went through your head when your name was called to be a part of this U.S. Youth Olympic Games Team?
I'm excited. It's a brand new experience for me. I'm excited to travel and play 3-on-3 against some of the best players in the world. I'm really excited about it.

The Youth Olympic Games is a multi-sport event. Do you have any thoughts on that?
I'm definitely looking forward to it. It's like a mini-Olympics, and it's something that no one else will be going through. It's just our group of people, and I'm really looking forward to the experience.

Have you played a lot of 3-on-3 basketball?
Not really. There's a lot of 3-on-3 tournaments in Iowa, but nothing with all these rules, like the 10-second shot clock. It's going to be different.