Key Takeaways
- Iowa’s junior guard Dani Carnegie and sophomore center Ava Heiden have earned spots in USA Basketball’s 3×3 development camp and the 3X Women’s Showcase in Phoenix.
- The camp runs May 6‑8, 2026 and is led by veteran coaches Todd Monsey and Julia Ford, alongside first‑time coaches Jonneshia Pineda and Joi Williams.
- Heiden’s breakout sophomore season placed her among Iowa’s all‑time best, earning All‑Big Ten honors and AP/USBWA honorable‑mention accolades.
- Carnegie, a transfer from Georgia Tech, brings first‑team All‑SEC credentials and ACC Sixth Player of the Year experience to the Hawkeyes.
- Participation serves as a primary pathway for future USA 3×3 national team selections and additional national opportunities.
- Both athletes will make their USA Basketball debuts, highlighting Iowa’s growing influence on the national stage.
USA Basketball 3×3 Development Camp Overview
The USA Basketball 3×3 women’s development camp convenes some of the nation’s most promising under‑23 players for an intensive three‑day experience. Held from May 6 through May 8 in Phoenix, Arizona, the camp emphasizes skill refinement, game‑sense development, and exposure to elite coaching. Carnegie and Heiden will join a select cohort of rising talent, all of whom are evaluated for potential inclusion on future USA 3×3 national squads and related competition pathways. The camp’s curriculum blends on‑court drills with strategic workshops, providing participants with a comprehensive platform to showcase their abilities before national team decision‑makers.
Coaching Staff and Debut Highlights
Headlining the camp are seasoned USA 3×3 coaches Todd Monsey and Julia Ford, who bring extensive international coaching experience. They are joined by emerging coaches Jonneshia Pineda and Joi Williams, marking their official coaching debuts with USA Basketball. This blend of veteran leadership and fresh perspective creates an environment conducive to player growth. Both Carnegie and Heiden will sit under this guidance for the first time, making their USA Basketball debuts in a high‑stakes, developmental setting that underscores the significance of their selection.
Ava Heiden’s Breakout Sophomore Season
Heiden’s sophomore campaign was nothing short of spectacular. She averaged 18.0 points per game while shooting an impressive 64.1% from the field, pulling down 7.2 rebounds and recording a team‑leading 1.3 blocks per game. Her scoring consistency shone throughout the Big Ten schedule, as she reached double‑digit points against all 17 conference opponents. Her 612 total points placed her third all‑time among Iowa sophomores, earning her first‑team All‑Big Ten honors from both coaches and media, in addition to AP/USBWA All‑America Honorable Mention recognition. These achievements illustrate her impact as a dominant interior presence and a reliable scorer.
Dani Carnegie’s Transfer Accolades
Carnegie arrives in Iowa after a standout sophomore season at Georgia Tech, where she earned first‑team All‑SEC honors. She posted 17.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game on 42.7% shooting. Her contributions were instrumental in securing the ACC Sixth Player of the Year award in 2024, and she was also selected to the All‑ACC Freshman Team. Carnegie’s blend of scoring versatility, playmaking, and defensive effort equips her to make an immediate impact for the Hawkeyes and to thrive in the competitive 3×3 environment where quick decision‑making is paramount.
Purpose of the 3X Women’s Showcase and Development Camp
Both the 3X Women’s Showcase and the 3×3 development camp function as critical evaluation venues for USA Basketball’s national pipeline. Athletes are assessed not only on raw talent but also on adaptability, teamwork, and competitive poise. Successful participants may receive invitations to future USA 3×3 national team trials, as well as other elite competition opportunities that can accelerate their international careers. The camps thus serve as a bridge between collegiate performance and the global stage, offering a tangible pathway for athletes like Carnegie and Heiden to extend their influence beyond the collegiate level.
Impact on Iowa Women’s Basketball Program
The invitations reflect the growing prominence of Iowa’s women’s basketball program on the national scene. By placing two of its rising stars in a premier USA Basketball setting, the Hawkeyes demonstrate their capacity to develop players who can compete among the nation’s elite. This visibility can aid in recruiting, bolster the program’s reputation, and inspire younger athletes in the state to aspire toward similar national opportunities. Moreover, the program’s emphasis on holistic development—athletic skill, academic excellence, and character—positions it as a model for producing well‑rounded collegiate talent.
Looking Ahead: Future Opportunities and Expectations
As the camp approaches, expectations are high for both Carnegie and Heiden to showcase their abilities under intense scrutiny. Their performances could catalyze selections for upcoming USA Basketball 3×3 national team training camps, opening doors to international tournaments such as the FIBA 3×3 World Tour. Regardless of final roster outcomes, the experience itself promises to enrich their skill sets, deepen their understanding of high‑level competition, and reinforce Iowa’s commitment to fostering next‑generation talent. Fans and observers alike will watch closely as the Hawkeyes’ representatives make their mark on the national stage.
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