Growing up in Chatham, Ontario, Bridget Carleton never envisioned herself playing professional basketball in Canada. However, this season presents her with that very opportunity. Reflecting on her journey, Carleton expressed how surreal it feels to now be playing in her home country, a dream she never thought possible during her childhood.
Carleton acknowledged her good fortune in having a mother who introduced her to the Detroit Shock, providing them with the chance to attend games across the border. Despite the lack of WNBA visibility in Canada during her youth, Carleton, now 29, finds it unbelievable to be playing in a WNBA game on Canadian soil, highlighting the significant evolution and growth of women’s basketball in both the U.S. and Canada.
In a thrilling match on Friday, the Toronto Tempo overcame a 13-point deficit to defeat the Portland Fire 82-79 in front of a cheering crowd of 12,414 fans. The victory halted Toronto’s 12-game losing streak and showcased the team’s resilience and determination.
Portland started strong, with Carleton contributing nine points in the initial six minutes of the game. However, Toronto fought back, eventually tying the score at 44-44 by halftime. The momentum shifted in the third quarter when Isabelle Harrison’s layup gave Toronto a 58-53 lead, sparking excitement among the fans in attendance.
Center Isabelle Harrison emphasized the support from the energetic crowd, noting how it propelled the team forward and created a thrilling atmosphere inside Rogers Arena. Coach Sandy Brondello echoed these sentiments, expressing gratitude for the fans’ enthusiasm and emphasizing the team’s connection with its Canadian supporters.
The game was part of the Tempo’s Cross Canada series, a strategic initiative aimed at expanding the team’s fan base and promoting women’s basketball nationwide. Brondello, a seasoned WNBA veteran, highlighted the positive impact of bringing the league to new cities, underscoring Canada’s role in enhancing the sport’s visibility and popularity.
The Tempo’s commitment to engaging with fans across the country was evident as they continued their tour, hosting a fan festival in Vancouver before facing the Las Vegas Aces. Guard Brittney Sykes commended the league’s growth and the increasing support from fans, emphasizing the importance of providing inspiration to young aspiring athletes.
Carleton emphasized the significance of having WNBA games accessible in Canada, emphasizing the endless possibilities it offers to budding basketball players. As a two-time Olympian, Carleton expressed her pride in being a role model for the next generation of athletes and celebrated the realization of having professional women’s sports thriving in Canada.
