Bridget Carleton’s basketball journey is a testament to her dedication, passion, and pride in representing her country. From her early days in Canada to playing on the world stage in the WNBA, EuroLeague, and Australian National Basketball League, Carleton has always cherished bringing her experiences back home. As she prepares to don the Canadian jersey for the Olympic Games in Paris 2024, she reflects on her path, the support from her teammates, and the excitement of competing on the grandest stage.
A Proud Canadian
Carleton’s pride in representing Canada is palpable. Her journey has taken her across the globe, but her heart remains firmly rooted in her home country.
“I think it starts there, just being really proud of Canada, what we stand for, the culture around our country. I’ve travelled so much since high school, basically. Being able to bring that everywhere I’ve gone and then being able to always come back and represent Canada, it just means the world to me because of how proud I am. Being able to represent it on the biggest stage is pretty surreal. My family instilled that in me at a young age,” Carleton shared in an interview with Olympics.com.
Family Support and Excitement
The support from Carleton’s family has been a cornerstone of her career. Their excitement and relief were evident when they learned of her selection for the Olympic team.
“After I heard from the Canadian coach and general manager, I texted my parents. They were thrilled, but they also felt some relief from practical concerns,” Carleton recounted. “They’re like, thank goodness, because we have flights booked, so thank goodness you’re on the team! They’re really excited and they’re really proud of me. And I’m excited for them because I was in Tokyo, but they weren’t able to come obviously because of the pandemic. They’re super excited they’re able to experience this with me and cheer me on.”
“We bond over it, we’re connected”: Canada’s Bridget Carleton on heading to Paris 2024 along with her WNBA … – Olympics https://t.co/FhLZ42RYpm
— Canada Agent (@canada_agent) July 5, 2024
Support from the Minnesota Lynx
Carleton’s journey to Paris is also supported by her WNBA teammates at the Minnesota Lynx. A few days after receiving the good news, her teammates surprised her with a celebration.
“A few days after, they all got the word and they surprised me, which I should have been expecting. They did the same thing for [Napheesa Collier] but I just wasn’t expecting it. I didn’t think anybody knew. But, no, that was awesome. Everyone is so supportive here. It’s like my home away from home, and they’re really excited for me to represent Canada. And they know how much it means to me,” Carleton said.
The Unique Challenge of Competing Against Friends
Carleton isn’t the only Lynx player heading to Paris. Napheesa Collier will represent Team USA, and head coach Cheryl Reeve will serve in the same role for the U.S. team. Another teammate, Alanna Smith, is expected to be named to the Australian squad. Canada and Australia are set to face off in pool play on 1 August, adding an interesting dynamic to Carleton’s Olympic experience.
“It’s a unique situation, you know, being so close to people that you’re going to end up facing at one of the biggest tournaments in the world. But it’s fun. We bond over it, we’re connected, and we’re super excited to be representing our country,” Carleton explained.
Building a Strong Team Culture
The connection between Carleton and her Lynx teammates has been instrumental in the team’s success. Minnesota’s strong start to the WNBA season and their third-best record are testaments to the team’s chemistry and commitment.
“From day one in training camp, there was really great energy, a lot of trust, a lot of commitment. You could sense the commitment and what Cheryl wanted to get from us. And then heading into the season, we have a lot of veterans that have been elite for a long time who know who they are as players. When we do step on the court, the way we play is pretty free. It’s hard to scout us because we do different things every time we’re on the court, even if we’re running the same play,” Carleton said.
The Road to Paris
As the Olympic Games approach, Carleton and Team Canada are focused and ready to compete. The women’s basketball tournament begins on 29 July, and Carleton is eager to showcase her skills and represent her country with pride.
Watch Bridget Carleton and Team Canada play in the women’s basketball tournament starting 29 July, and witness the culmination of a journey fueled by dedication, pride, and the unwavering support of family and teammates.