Growing up in Chatham, Ontario, Bridget Carleton never thought she would have the opportunity to play professional basketball in Canada. However, this season, that dream has become a reality for her.
Reflecting on her journey, Carleton expressed her amazement at the progress of women’s basketball in her home country. She recalled how, as a child, the WNBA seemed distant, with limited visibility and accessibility in Canada. Now, at 29 years old, Carleton finds herself playing in a WNBA game in her native land, a scenario she once deemed unimaginable.
In a thrilling match between the Portland Fire and the Toronto Tempo in Vancouver, the Tempo managed to stage an impressive comeback, defeating the Fire 82-79 and snapping a 12-game losing streak. The game drew a crowd of 12,414, who provided crucial support to the home team.
Carleton’s early contributions helped Portland take the lead, but Toronto fought back, leveling the score at halftime. The momentum shifted in the third quarter when Isabelle Harrison’s decisive play energized the crowd, propelling Toronto into the lead.
The atmosphere inside Rogers Arena was electrifying, with fans rallying behind the Tempo, making it difficult for the coaches to communicate. The overwhelming support showcased the growing fan base for women’s basketball in Canada.
The game was part of the Tempo’s Cross Canada series, emphasizing their commitment to engaging fans nationwide. Head coach Sandy Brondello highlighted the importance of expanding the team’s reach, aiming to make the players household names and attract new fans to the WNBA.
As the league continues to evolve and expand its presence, players like Carleton and Sykes emphasize the significance of having professional women’s sports accessible to aspiring athletes across the country. They hope to inspire future generations of basketball players to dream big and pursue their goals.
Looking ahead, the Tempo will host a fan festival in Vancouver before facing the Las Vegas Aces, showcasing the league’s growth and the increasing interest in women’s basketball in Canada. The players are proud to be part of this historic moment and are determined to leave a lasting impact on the sport in their home country.