This Is Our Team: Seimone Augustus

After five years and five medals, Seimone Augustus is ready to make her debut with the Senior National Team.

Seimone Augustus is no stranger to wearing her country’s jersey. Since she was selected as the only high school player to the U20 National Team Trials, she’s gone on to collect three gold medals, a silver and a bronze with Team USA.

“USA Basketball is a different because you are surrounded by the most talented athletes who can contribute just as much as you can,” said Seimone. “You have to know where you fit in the system.”

And fit in she does. After high school, Seimone teamed up with fellow Team USA player Sylvia Fowles at LSU, leading the team to three consecutive national semis. Minnesota made her the #1 overall pick in the 2006 WNBA Draft, where she proceeded to lead the team in scoring and was named 2006 Rookie of the Year.

In her most recent experience for the red, white and blue, Seimone was part of the team that took first place at the 2007 FIBA Americas tournament, earning the U.S. their spot in the 2008 Summer Games. Without her determination and energy, the team may not have achieved all it has.

But for all her Team USA experience, Beijing will be Seimone’s first official chance with the Senior National Team. And to bring home another gold medal, she knows which role she’ll need to play: the team’s stopper on defense.

“Everyone knows what I can do on the offensive end, so defense is key to my role on this team and in order for me to become a complete player altogether,” she said.

Though she may lack the official experience of older players, Seimone isn’t too worried – she knows she can rely on the legendary veterans who will be fighting alongside her. Icons like Lisa Leslie and Tina Thompson will be there every step of the way, sharing their wisdom with her and the other young players. And as for Seimone, she knows she can provide the spark the team needs to pull ahead.

“I will do my best to feed off the veteran players and gain their knowledge and do whatever I can do to help the team,” said Seimone. “I think I understand what I need to do, whether I'm coming off of the bench or starting, just bring the energy and set the tempo from the tip.”


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