Aberdeen, S.D. – Northern State University senior, Miranda Ristau, is head to Brazil July 31-August 9 as a part of the USA D-2 Women's Basketball team. The week is coordinated by USA Sports Tours and Events, with the women playing a total of four games over six days.
 
"I feel humbled and extremely honored to have been selected for this amazing opportunity," explained Ristau. "I cannot wait to experience another culture and see a different part of the world while playing the sport I love. I am looking forward to making new friends and this is a great way to start my senior year!"
 
Head women's basketball coach, Curt Fredrickson, was contacted by Chris Kielsmeier of Wayne State about Ristau potentially joining the team as he was looking to fill a center position on the roster. After some fundraising in the area, she made the decision to join the team and represent NSU and the USA. "We are pretty excited for Miranda with this opportunity," noted Fredrickson. "Obviously you cross your fingers that she'll avoid injury down there, but I couldn't think of a better experience for her before the school year gets started to play against players from other countries. I'm looking forward to hearing about it from her when she gets back."
 
A total of ten players will make the trip led by Wayne State head coach Chris Kielsmeier and assistant coach Kelly Kielsmeier. The players hail from both the Northern Sun and the Mid-America Intercollegiate conferences. In addition to the four games, the team will also be involved in educational and social events which include visits to Copacabana and Ipanema Beaches, Sugar Loaf Mountain, the International Market in Ipanema and the Christ the Redeemer Statue.
 
The first two games of the tour are in Jundiai with the final two games will be played in Rio de Janiero.  The team is set to depart July 31 making pit stops in Orlando and Washington D.C., before heading overseas to Sao Paulo, Brazil.
 
2017 USA D-2 Women's Basketball Team – Brazil Tour

Paige Ballinger	Wayne State
Chelsey Henry	Missouri Southern
Paige Imhoff	Pittsburg State
Brenlee McPherson	Pittsburg State
Tanya Meyer	Northwest Missouri State
Paige Redmond	Central Missouri
Miranda Ristau	Northern State
Maggie Schulte	Wayne State
Cassidy Thorson	MSU Moorhead
Jacky Volkert	MSU Moorhead