Mackiewicz Named To USA DIII Women's Basketball Team Brazil Tour

PLATTEVILLE, Wis. – Junior Ella Mackiewicz of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville women's basketball team was invited to participate in the 2024 USA DIII Women's Basketball Brazil Tour this summer from July 8-17.

The team is built of 10 women from DIII schools from around the country and led by Coe College coach Kayla Waskow. After meeting in Fort Lauderdale, the trip starts with a flight to San Paulo where the team will play two games. The final two games of the tour will take place in Rio de Janeiro. While in Brazil, the team will visit several famous cultural and historical sites, including the Christ the Redeemer statue and Sugar Loaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro.

On the heels of an impressive freshman season that saw her named WIAC Newcomer of the Year, Mackiewicz posted 15.7 points and 5.3 rebounds per game as a sophomore en route to earning All-WIAC and D3hoops.com All-Region honors. The Shawnee, Kansas native shot over 50 percent from the floor in her second year and reached the 20-point plateau in seven different contests.

"I am super thankful for all my coaches and teammates who have helped me gain success in my first two college seasons to help me get selected for this opportunity," Mackiewicz said regarding her selection to the team.

The USA DIII Basketball Select Teams are invited players from NCAA DIII colleges and universities from throughout the United States that have been recognized by the NCAA and their conferences. The tour, which has been running on a yearly basis since 2010, offers players an opportunity for an international basketball experience while allowing for educational, cultural, and social growth for the student-athletes.