May 2, 2013

BRONX, N.Y. - After playing a critical role in the Rams' historic 26-9 campaign this past season, sophomore forward Christina Gaskin will now have the opportunity to shine on the international stage. The Hockley, England native has been invited to Great Britain Senior National Team Camp, competing for a spot on the squad with the best players in the UK.

Running from May 4th-June 11th, the camp will feature a mix of players from Great Britain's 2012 London Olympic team, as well as a group of younger players who will have their eyes more on the 2020 squad, Gaskin among them.

"I feel very honoured to have been invited to train with the team," Gaskin said. "There are a lot of very talented athletes in the squad, so to get the chance to train alongside them is hugely exciting. With only a year passed since the Olympic campaign, I am sure the energy and enthusiasm will still be felt throughout camp."

Coach Stephanie Gaitley shared in Gaskin's excitement.

"We are extremely proud that Christina Gaskin has been invited to train with the national team in England," Gaitley said. "Christina is a relentless worker who fought through a number of injuries this year. This is a great opportunity to prove herself and get ready to help the Rams take another step forward next season."

At camp in Surrey, the squad will go about preparing for EuroBasket, a tournament featuring the top women's basketball teams from across Europe.

"The EuroBasket creates a great test for us post Olympics and we have been able to select a real blend of experience and youthful talent," said Great Britain head coach Damian Jennings." "With the early timing of EuroBasket there will always be challenges but all the [Great Britain] performance staff is looking forward to working with the selected squad and preparing for this great summer ahead."

Great Britain will host three games on their home turf in May, taking on Germany, Israel and Greece in the GB Invitational Tournament on May 24th, 25th and 26th. From there, the Brits will take on a tough schedule in the EuroBasket, facing off against France, Latvia and Serbia on June 15th, 16th and 17th. Those games will take place at Arena Loire in Trelaze, France, about 200 miles southwest of Paris.

Gaskin is one of three camp invitees currently competing at the American collegiate level, joined by Renee Busch of Penn and Erin Mcgarrahan of UTEP.

Gaskin also joins fellow Ram Erin Rooney in earning international accolades. Rooney competed with the New Zealand Senior National Team in its quest to qualify for the London Olympics in 2012.

A Barkey Abbey Academy product, Gaskin acknowledged the success of her Fordham squad and hopes to see that transfer over to her international hoops endeavor.

"The huge success of our program this year has given me an added sense of motivation to work hard and do the best I can," Gaskin said.