[EDEN PRAIRIE, MN, October 7, 2024]— Team USA representatives in the upcoming World University Games were determined this past weekend at the Dakota Curling Club in Lakeville, MN.

Four men’s teams and four women’s teams competed in the playdown event. After round-robin play was completed on Sunday, Team McDonald (Andie McDonald, Teagan Thurston, Abby Lin, Riley Samarzja) had gone undefeated to earn the Women’s title, while Team Hebert (Caden Hebert, Jackson Bestland, Jack Wendtland, Jack Armstrong, Coach Mike Peplinski and Scott Armstrong) finished on top of the standings on the men’s side.

With their victories, both teams will move on and represent the United States at the 2025 Fédération Internationale du Sport Universitaire (FISU) Winter World University Games in Torino, Italy, from January 13-23, 2025. FISU is committed to offering, “…opportunity and inspiration to students around the world to play sport.” The organization believes that organized sports improves the health and wellbeing of of students and helps them become active members of society.

“The World University Games offer young players a chance to compete on the international stage against some of the world’s best teams in this age group,” noted USA Curling CEO Dean Gemmell. “We look forward to watching these two teams on the ice in Torino.”

At the 2023 Games in Lake Placid, the American men’s team earned a silver medal, while the women’s team was awarded bronze.

Mixed Doubles play will also be a part of the event in Italy for the first time. USA Curling is selecting that team through an application process.

About USA Curling

Founded in 1958 and headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, USA Curling is the National Governing body for the Olympic sport of curling and the Paralympic sport of wheelchair curling in the United States. The mission of USA Curling is to grow, strengthen, and advocate for the Olympic and Paralympic sport of curling in the United States by prioritizing accessibility and programmatic development from grassroots to podium. USA Curling is sponsored by Columbia Sportswear, Dale's family of beers, Twin Cities Orthopedics, Training HAUS, ISS (Ice, Sports & Solar), Rock Solid Productions, Jet Ice, and Laurie Artiss. USA Curling is a proud member of the World Curling Federation and the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee. To learn more, visit usacurling.org.