Sophomore basketball player Savannah Simmons recently received an invitation to the 2016 U17 National Team trials at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

The trial consists of a series of individual skill showcases, a 3v3 tournament, and many scrimmage opportunities. Out of the 150 total young athletes invited to try out, 35 of them, including Simmons, were hand picked by the USA Basketball Developmental National Team Committee.

These young players are among the best high school players in the nation, and being selected for the team will give these players the opportunity to travel to Spain in late June to represent the U.S. in the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Women’s U17 World Championship.

“I was super excited when I received the news that I was being invited to try out for the USA team, feel so blessed and grateful,” Simmons said.

Simmons believes that support from friends and family has played a significant role in her success. “I could not have done any of this without the support of my friends and family, and I also thank God for all the opportunities I have been presented with, including getting an offer to play Division I basketball with Towson University,” she said.

Simmons has been playing basketball since she was seven years old, starting out in local recreational basketball programs and moving her way up to play in the highly competitive Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL), one of the toughest leagues in the country.

To prepare for the trials, Simmons has been working out seven days a week and has invested in a top-notch strength and conditioning trainer to ensure she will be in the best possible physical condition.

The Trials last from May 26 through May 30, and Simmons hopes that her “talent will shine through and to come home with a USA jersey.”

Elizabeth Harmison is a Multimedia Editor for The Patriot and jcpatriot.com.