Growing up in Chatham, Ontario, Bridget Carleton never envisioned herself playing professional basketball in her home country. However, this season, she is living that dream as a member of the Portland Fire.
Reflecting on her journey, Carleton expressed her disbelief at the opportunity she now has to play in the WNBA in Canada. She noted the lack of visibility of the league during her childhood but emphasized how the landscape has evolved, providing inspiration for young athletes in Canada.
In a recent game between the Toronto Tempo and the Portland Fire in Vancouver, the Tempo staged an impressive comeback, defeating the Fire 82-79 and snapping a 12-game losing streak. The supportive crowd of 12,414 energized the Tempo players, including center Isabelle Harrison, who credited the fans for their crucial role in the victory.
Portland initially took the lead, with Carleton making significant contributions with nine points early in the game. However, Toronto fought back and managed to level the score at halftime. The game saw intense moments, including a decisive layup by Harrison that ignited the crowd and propelled Toronto into the lead.
The overwhelming support from the fans at Rogers Arena made a significant impact on the players, with Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello acknowledging the difficulty of communication due to the loud atmosphere. Brondello highlighted the importance of engaging fans across Canada and promoting the visibility of the team and the WNBA as a whole.
The Tempo’s Cross Canada series, featuring games in various cities, underscores the team’s commitment to expanding its fan base and showcasing the talents of its players. Brondello, with her extensive WNBA experience, expressed optimism about the growth of women’s basketball and the potential for further development in Canada.
As the Tempo continues its tour, the players are embracing the growth of the league and the enthusiastic reception from fans. Guard Brittney Sykes emphasized the impact of having a team in Canada, underscoring the importance of providing aspiring young athletes with role models in professional sports.
Carleton echoed these sentiments, highlighting the significance of having women’s professional basketball accessible in Canada. As a role model and Olympian, she emphasized the importance of representation and empowerment for future generations of basketball players in the country.