Growing up in Chatham, Ontario, Bridget Carleton never envisioned herself playing professional basketball in her home country. However, this season, the opportunity has come her way.
Reflecting on her journey, Carleton, a forward for the Portland Fire, expressed her disbelief at the realization. She recalled how as a child, the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) seemed distant, despite her mother’s awareness of the Detroit Shock and occasional trips to games across the border.
Now 29 years old, Carleton finds it surreal to be playing in a WNBA game in Canada, acknowledging the significant evolution of the sport in both the United States and Canada. The game between the Toronto Tempo and the Portland Fire in Vancouver drew a crowd of 12,414, witnessing the Tempo’s victory over the Fire with a score of 82-79, ending Toronto’s 12-game losing streak.
Carleton made an impressive start, contributing nine points within the first six minutes of the game, helping Portland establish an early lead. However, Toronto fought back, equalizing the score at 44-44 by halftime. The momentum shifted in Toronto’s favor during the third quarter, highlighted by Isabelle Harrison’s layup that gave the Tempo a 58-53 lead, much to the delight of the energized crowd.
The enthusiastic support from the fans at Rogers Arena made a significant impact on the Tempo players, with Harrison acknowledging the boost it provided to the team’s performance. Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello also credited the fans for their overwhelming presence and vocal support throughout the game.
The game was part of the Tempo’s Cross Canada series, designed to showcase the team in various cities across the country. Brondello emphasized the importance of building a fan base and increasing the visibility of the WNBA, expressing hope for continued growth and support for women’s basketball in Canada.
As the WNBA continues to expand its reach and engagement, players like Brittney Sykes and Bridget Carleton see the presence of professional women’s basketball in Canada as a significant milestone for inspiring future generations of athletes. The opportunity to witness top-tier women athletes up close is seen as a catalyst for empowering young athletes to dream big and pursue their aspirations in the sport.