Growing up in Chatham, Ontario, Bridget Carleton never thought she would have the opportunity to play professional basketball in her home country. However, this season has presented her with that very chance.
Reflecting on her journey, Carleton expressed her amazement at the progression of women’s basketball in Canada. Recalling her childhood where exposure to the WNBA was limited, she now finds herself at 29, playing in a WNBA game in Canada, a scenario she never envisioned as a young girl.
In a recent game between the Portland Fire and the Toronto Tempo in Vancouver, the Tempo managed to stage an impressive comeback, overcoming a 13-point deficit to secure an 82-79 victory, putting an end to their 12-game losing streak.
The game drew a sizable crowd of 12,414, with centre Isabelle Harrison noting the significant support from the fans, which provided the team with added motivation and energy on the court.
Portland initially took the lead, with Carleton contributing nine points in the opening six minutes of the game. However, Toronto fought back, tying the score at 44-44 by halftime.
The momentum shifted in favor of Toronto during the third quarter, with Harrison’s strong play boosting their lead to 58-53, igniting the crowd’s enthusiasm.
The overwhelming support from the fans at Rogers Arena made it difficult for Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello to communicate with her team at times, emphasizing the impact of the passionate audience on the players’ performance.
The game formed part of the Tempo’s Cross Canada series, showcasing women’s basketball in different regions of the country. Brondello highlighted the team’s commitment to expanding their fan base and promoting the sport, aiming to elevate the visibility of the WNBA and its players.
The Tempo will continue their tour in Vancouver, engaging with fans through a festival before facing the Las Vegas Aces at Rogers Arena. Guard Brittney Sykes acknowledged the growth of the league and the positive reception received in Canada, underlining the importance of inspiring young athletes to pursue their dreams.
Carleton emphasized the significance of having professional women’s sports accessible in Canada, believing it opens doors for aspiring athletes to aim high and aspire to greatness. As a role model and two-time Olympian, she expressed gratitude for being able to inspire future generations of basketball players across the country.