Payton Verhulst Gets Tryout With U19 squad -- THURSDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

 CHANGE IN TODAY'S PITCHING ASSIGNMENT

No, it's not still Wednesday. 

I'm filling in today for columnist Jared Anderson, who is taking a few days away from Cardinal Couple activities to take pictures of college graduates. It seems our man Jared has quite the following in this area -- we certainly love and appreciate the photo work he does for us here at CARDINAL COUPLE -- so, they've dusted off the ol' righty Paulie and sent him in to step on the "bump" and throw a few toward the plate today.  Fact is, I was quite the softball pitcher back in the day (in my own mind) in the church leagues and Metro Parks slow-pitch. 

Right behind where the Louisville Soccer teams play these days off Lynn Street on campus, there was an old ball-field where I rattled a few fences as well with my long-ball hitting capabilities

Thanks for letting an old guy reminisce here. Let's get on to much more important and relevant stuff. 

PAYTON VERHULST

27 were called to participate in the 2021 USA Basketball Women's U19 World Cup Team Trials and Louisville women's basketball signee Payton Verhulst is in that mix. 

Going to USA World Cup camps is no mew thing for the Bishop Miege H.S. DeSoto, KS baller, she claimed the MVP honors after taking the 2019 USA U16 National Team to the gold and averaged 14.5 points and 2.8 rebounds in six games for USA. There was also a trip to participate in the 2019 USA Basketball 3x3 U18 National Championships for Verhulst and she took part in the trials for the 2018 USA U17 World Cup team. 

(No, this isn't the roster or selection committee) 

12 student-athletes will be selected for the team and practice begins May 14th and concluded May 16th. 16 teams from around the world will participate in the FIBA's...which will begin in August. 

You'll recognize some of the players names Payton will compete against.as she tries to make the roster. 

Others from the ACC, include Olivia Miles (Notre Dame) and Jewel Spear (Wake Forest) receiving invites. so did one of Wes Moore's future dribblers, transfer Diamond Johnson (NC State). Caitlin Clark (Iowa) had a fantastic freshman season for the Hawkeyes and will also attend the camp. Out of UConn, Azzi Fudd, Amari DeBerry and 2022 commit Ayanna Patterson received invites and Angel Reese (Maryland), part of the Brenda Frese powerhouse lineup will be at the tryouts, too. 

Older UofL Basketball fans will remember Samaki Walker, who parlayed his time as a CARD into time in the NBA. His daughter Sakima Walker  is a 6'4" post out of Columbus, OH, who is headed to play for C.Viv at Rutgers. I would imagine future Card Alexia Mobley had a battle or two with her. No, Alexia isn't one of the invitees, but. big things are on the way for her. 

This isn't a Jeff Walz coached squad (we know his love for USA hoops) but Cori Close (UCLA), who has served on USA teams with Walz will be the head skipper. She's got quality assistants in Aaron Johnston (South Dakota State) and Joni Taylor (Georgia). 

The USA Junior National Team Selection Committee has a few coaches names you'll recognize in Jen Rizzotti (chairman and president of the Connecticut Sun), Wes Moore (NC State) Kara Lawson (Duke) and Tonya Cardoza (Temple). 

All of us here at CARDINAL COUPLE would like to wish Payton the best of luck to as she goes against some very stellar and talented competition next week !  She's seen South America, now it's time to head to Hungary. 

Have a tremendous Thursday! 

paulie