Area basketball players representing USA

Representing the United States is one of the most tremendous accomplishments for any athlete.

Former Cedar Rapids Washington prep Aleena Hobbs of Coe College, along with three other Iowa college players. are going to achieve that this week. Hobbs will be joined by Coe teammate Allie Wirth and Luther's Moran Lonning of Decorah and Meagan Koepnick.

'Being able to represent Coe and the United States in competitive basketball is an honor,” said Hobbs, an all-Iowa Conference player as freshman last winter. 'It is not something many people get the opportunity to do.”

The four are part of a 10-player USA D-III All-Star team compromised of NCAA Division III basketball players who have been recognized as All-American, all-region or all-conference members during their careers.

The USA squad is taking a tour of Brazil this week after meeting in Orlando, Fla. The team had orientation and practices in Orlando and left for Sao Paulo, Brazil, Wednesday. They will play doubleheader games in Brazil on today through Saturday. They move on to Rio de Janeiro for a game on Monday.

The athletes are not just representing the United States on the court,

'We get to show Brazil our kindness by exchanging gifts and by having the opportunity to do an outreach with some of the kids in the area.” Hobbs said.

Ron Smith, Director of USA Sports Tours & Events, was looking for a select group of talented D-III athletes who could not only compete, but also represent everything good that a Division III student-athlete has to offer. The teams are going to be experiencing educational, cultural and social aspects of Brazilian life.

The benefits of this trip are endless.

'Being able to compete with a group of other D-III players from around the nation, as well as getting to see another country and learning about the Brazil culture, are big benefits of this trip.” Hobbs said.

While in Rio de Janeiro the teams also will tour the Christ the Redeemer Statue and Sugar Loaf, two of the most iconic landmarks in the world.