UConn sophomore Tiffany Hayes was not a lock to be named a finalist for the USA Women’s World University Games Team. All-American teammates Maya Moore and Tina Charles held that distinction when 29 players arrived at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo. for team trials last month.
Just as Hayes did during her first season with the Huskies, she had to prove herself through her level of play. She became a success at UConn, being named to the All-Big East Freshman Team. And with standout performances on the final two days of trials May 16-17 she became the youngest member named to the list of finalists.
“It definitely was important for me to do good the last couple days because I know the first couple of sessions I didn’t do too well,’’ Hayes said. “I guess it was nervousness and me having to play with the older girls. The next couple days I was talking to Tina and she was just like, `Go out there and play like you know how to play and you’ll definitely make the team.’ So I just went out there and did my best.’’
The coaches split up the players into two groups over the final two days, with one consisting of those who were definitely going to make the team and another with those who were on the bubble. Hayes was on the bubble and excelled at shooting from the perimeter and finishing at the basket.
Hayes, 19, returns to Colorado Springs today for the start of training camp. There will be 15 players eyeing 12 spots on the team that will compete at the World University Games in Belgrade, Serbia July 1-11.
Training camp will conclude July 25 and the team will then depart for Serbia. The final roster will be announced prior to the team’s departure.
“I’m just playing amongst the older girls, trying to do the best I can to make the team,’’ Hayes said. “If not, I tried my best.’’
It has been a tremendous run for Hayes, who said she wants to improve her ballhandling and her leadership skills during the off-season, since she arrived at UConn. She started 17 games for the Huskies last season, averaging 8.4 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 25.7 minutes.
Her signature performance came in the NCAA Trenton regional semifinals when she had career-highs of 28 points and seven assists in a 77-53 victory over No. 13 California. Hayes was 9-of-10 from the field – scoring more points in an NCAA tournament game than any other freshman in team history – and also had five 3-pointers, five rebounds and did not commit a turnover in a career-high 39 minutes.
Hayes presently stands a week away from potentially being one of 12 players selected to represent the United States in an international tournament next month.
“I think it’s really going well now, especially with me being on a national championship team, undefeated and all,’’ Hayes said. “That’s just a great feeling. I’m glad to be where I am right now because it’s a really good spot to be in.’’
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