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 brought that dream to reality for her as she suits up for the Portland Fire.
Reflecting on her journey, Carleton expressed her disbelief at how far she has come since her childhood days in Canada. She recalled how the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) seemed distant, with limited visibility and accessibility. Now, at 29 years old, she finds herself playing in a WNBA game right in Canada, a development she finds incredible and a positive influence for aspiring young athletes in the country.
In a recent game between the Toronto Tempo and the Portland Fire in Vancouver, an enthusiastic crowd of 12,414 witnessed the Tempo’s impressive comeback from a 13-point deficit to secure an 82-79 victory, breaking their 12-game losing streak. The support from the fans was acknowledged by Tempo’s center, Isabelle Harrison, who credited the energetic atmosphere for boosting their performance.
The game showcased thrilling moments as Portland initially took the lead, with Carleton contributing nine points in the early stages. However, Toronto fought back and managed to tie the score at 44-44 by halftime. Harrison’s strong play in the third quarter, leading to a 58-53 lead for Toronto, ignited the crowd’s excitement, further motivating the team.
The overwhelming noise within Rogers Arena made communication challenging for Tempo’s head coach, Sandy Brondello, emphasizing the immense support from the fans. Brondello highlighted the significance of the game as part of Tempo’s Cross Canada series, aiming to engage fans nationwide and elevate the profile of women’s basketball in the country.
Brondello, a veteran of the WNBA, recognized the growth of the league and the positive impact of expanding into Canada. She emphasized the importance of showcasing the talents of the players and attracting new fans to support both the Tempo and the WNBA as a whole.
The Tempo’s commitment to engaging fans across Canada was evident as they planned various events and games in different cities. This approach, according to Brondello, not only promotes the team but also contributes to the overall growth and recognition of women’s basketball.
As the Tempo continues their journey in Vancouver, with upcoming games and fan festivals, players like Brittney Sykes express gratitude for the expanding opportunities and support for women’s basketball in Canada. Sykes emphasized the importance of inspiring young athletes and instilling belief in their potential to reach professional levels.
Echoing these sentiments, Carleton, a two-time Olympian, highlighted the impact of having professional women’s sports accessible in Canada. She emphasized the significance of representation and visibility for aspiring athletes, encouraging them to dream big and pursue their ambitions.
The game between the Toronto Tempo and the Portland Fire not only showcased thrilling basketball but also symbolized the evolving landscape of women’s sports in Canada, providing inspiration and opportunities for future generations of athletes.
