Caroline Aubert three-balled her way into this summer's France squad after a terrific finish to the EuroLeague Women campaign with UMMC Ekaterinburg.

Now the high-scoring guard has decided to withdraw to focus on something else instead of playing for Les Bleues in their EuroBasket 2009 qualifying games.

She is choosing motherhood over basketball.

"One day before the team of France's first stage of preparations in view of the EuroBasket 2009 Championship qualifiers, I wish to announce that I will not be able to honour my pre-selection this year," Aubert announced in a statement.

"As a lot of people know already, at the age of 28, I have put my career on hold to become a mother. Considering this decision, I am unable to take part in training and preparation games already in place this summer.

"It has been a very difficult decision but the view to resume my basketball career in the 2009-10 has guided my choice."

Aubert may have already secured a place in Pierre Vincent's national side but when she drilled a three-pointer to beat Vincent's Bourges team in the third place game at the EuroLeague Women Final Four in Brno, she was a certainty to make the squad - something she failed to do last year.

"It is important for me to state that despite all the disappointments of my recent experiences with the national team, to wear the French colours has been my biggest achievement in my professional career," she said.

"The decision I have made this summer is purely personal and I will be honoured if in the future I can return to wear the French colours if the national team coach calls me up.

"I wish France the best of luck in the EuroBasket 2009 qualifiers and I will be following it with a lot of interest."

Vincent has called up Paoline Salagnac, Gaelle Skrella and Emilie Duvivier to join the national team in training.

France begin their preparations for the EuroBasket qualifiers on Thursday in l'Alpe d'Huez.