Growing up in Chatham, Ontario, Bridget Carleton never envisioned a career in professional basketball within Canada. However, this season, she finds herself living that dream. Reflecting on her journey, the Portland Fire forward expressed her disbelief at the opportunity, emphasizing how inaccessible the WNBA seemed during her childhood in Canada.
Carleton’s experience was shaped by her mother’s awareness of the Detroit Shock, which led them to attend games across the border. Despite the lack of TV coverage, Carleton, now 29, finds it surreal to be playing professionally in Canada, highlighting the evolution of the sport throughout North America.
In a recent game in Vancouver, the Toronto Tempo (11-25) staged a remarkable comeback, overcoming a 13-point deficit to defeat the Fire 82-79 in front of 12,414 enthusiastic fans. The victory halted Toronto’s 12-game losing streak and showcased the team’s resilience.
Portland (15-21) initially dominated the game, with Carleton contributing nine points in the first six minutes. However, Toronto fought back and leveled the score at 44-44 by halftime. The energy in the arena peaked when Toronto’s Isabelle Harrison made a crucial layup in the third quarter, propelling the Tempo to a 58-53 lead.
The supportive crowd at Rogers Arena played a significant role in boosting the Tempo’s morale, as acknowledged by centre Isabelle Harrison. Head coach Sandy Brondello also highlighted the overwhelming fan support, emphasizing the positive impact of the home crowd on the team’s performance.
The game was part of the Tempo’s Cross Canada series, showcasing their commitment to engaging fans nationwide. Brondello emphasized the team’s efforts to build a fan base and promote women’s basketball, aiming to make the players household names and attract new followers to the WNBA.
As the Tempo continues their tour across Canadian cities, the players remain focused on delivering an exceptional on-court product and inspiring the next generation of basketball players. Carleton and her colleagues see the increased accessibility of professional women’s sports in Canada as a beacon of hope for aspiring athletes, encouraging them to dream big and pursue their goals with determination and passion.
