Rhyne Howard, the dynamo guard lighting up the court for the Atlanta Dream, is officially set to stamp her passport for Paris. Howard's addition to the USA Basketball 3x3 Women's National Team was revealed on Wednesday, hooking her dreams to the star-spangled aspirations of Olympic gold. As reported by Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Howard, along with teammates Cameron Brink, Cierra Burdick, and Hailey Van Lith, will hustle on the half-court under the global spotlight in the 2024 Olympic Games.
In a career that's young but already glinting with accomplishments, Howard appears ready to add more luster to her collection. Describing her impending Olympic debut, Howard said, "Being able to be an Olympian this early in my career, it’s exciting and surreal," in a statement obtained by Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Taking the court by storm, she's averaged 16.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game this season, as FOX 5 Atlanta proudly showcases. All eyes will be on her when she joins the fray, looking forward to "bringing home the gold but also coming home with the experience of 3x3 and bringing that back to the W."
Beyond her team duties, Howard will wear a new mantle, making history as the first Kentucky Wildcats' women's basketball program alumna to grace the Olympic hardwood. Prior to the Olympic stage, she strapped on her national team jersey and snagged gold medals at the 2021 FIBA AmeriCup, the 2019 FIBA U19 World Cup, and the 2018 FIBA U18 Americas Championship. With her pivot foot firmly established in the 3x3 circuit, Howard also vied for dominance in the 2024 Olympic Qualifying Tournament and the FIBA 3x3 Women's Series Springfield Stop this April, according to Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
The countdown to the women's 3x3 pool round commences, with the opening showdown slated for July 30. Joining the United States will be teams from France, China, Germany, Canada, Spain, Australia, and Azerbaijan, as FOX 5 Atlanta notes. While the competition promises to be fierce, Howard is not a stranger to the electric charge of high-stakes play, stepping onto the court where only the surest shots and steals will claim victory. With her track record, the Parisian parquet could soon witness some Dream-worthy heroics.
