Canada’s Bridget Carleton ‘getting the spotlight she deserves’ after breakout WNBA season

The Lynx’s sharp shooter and defensive lock hails from Chatham in Ontario, Canada. After gaining attention playing for Team Canada at the FIBA U16 Americas, she was recruited to Iowa State. Carleton eventually became a second-team All-American in her senior year and finished second in the Cyclones’ all-time scoring ranks.

“She was just so humble and hungry to work and improve every single day and never saw herself as a ‘star’. Her focus was always team first” — Jodi Steyer, Associate Head Coach, Iowa State University

Canada has had some impressive stars make their mark in the WNBA, from the OGs like Kelly Boucher, to legends like Tammy Sutton-Brown, and more recent players like WNBA All-Star Kia Nurse. Yet, a Canadian’s rise to WNBA stardom and the accessibility of watching the WNBA had never aligned — until now. Not only was Carleton succeeding on the highest stage in the 2024 WNBA Finals, but Canadian fans were tapped in every step of the way.

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Carleton was drafted 21st overall in the 2019 WNBA draft to the Connecticut Sun, where she was released after just four games. In August of her rookie season, she was signed to the Minnesota Lynx on a seven-day contract, followed by a rest of season contract. From there, Carleton went from late-signed rookie, to bench role player, to now, a starter and key to the Lynx’s core. Her journey is one many WNBA players can relate to — the roller coaster of being signed and re-signed, hoping that eventually you find a solid place on a team.

A place she surely found with the Lynx. Even in 2023, when the Lynx came to Toronto to play a preseason exhibition game, head coach Cheryl Reeve had nothing but praise for Carleton. Among that praise was a trust in Carleton that let Reeve feel confident putting her on the floor in any situation. Her lock-down defense was one thing, but the way she let it fly on offense, paired with an efficiency jump, only made her even more of an asset to Minnesota.

“She makes all around her better and this year especially you could truly see the impact she had … Her ability to hit HUGE clutch shots while also defending some of the best offensive players in the league shows her amazing versatility and I know Coach Reeve values that.” — Jodi Steyer

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While averaging a career-high in minutes in 2024 — doubling her minutes from the previous year — Carleton also shot 44.4% from beyond the arc. She ranked fifth in the league in three-point percentage, her best since the 2020 condensed season. Carleton also delivered some jaw-dropping moments — like when she shot the game-winning three against the Connecticut Sun to secure the No. 2 seed for the Lynx, or sinking a pair of clutch free throws to win Minnesota Game 4 in the finals.

Concurrent with her rise to WNBA notoriety is Carleton’s booming international career with Canada Basketball. While the program as a whole has had an up and down path over the past few years — with two early Olympic exits and a fourth place World Cup finish — Carleton has been spectacular. She was the team’s leader in points per game during the 2022 World Cup as well as the 2024 Paris Olympics. She led Canada in efficiency at the Olympics, and was second in rebounds and third in assists for the team. Carleton’s best performance came against Australia, when she scored 19 points on 5-7 shooting from distance, eight rebounds, four assists, three steals and one block. Now with this experience under her belt, both internationally and in the WNBA, Carleton is primed to be a leader on both teams.

Yet, what Carleton brings in on-court skill is matched by her personality. It would be a defeating mission to try and find someone who doesn’t have a glowing review of Carleton as a teammate, player and all-around person. Described as “humble” and “shy,” she elevates every team she has been a part of. Her teammates admire her for her work ethic, talent and demeanor.

“It’s funny because even though I’m older I would say that she’s someone I look up to and admire [for] how she works and plays” — Sami Hill, Team Canada Guard

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As great as it is to see Carleton getting recognition in America, the impact she is having on young Canadian players is astronomical. In a country where access to professional women’s basketball games and coverage is still lacking, the rise of the WNBA has allowed Canadians to tune in more than ever before. On top of that, one of the biggest names in the Finals series being Canadian is just proof of the caliber of talent the country has to offer in the sport. Carleton’s visibility to the youth in Canada will only inspire more young girls and boys to stick with the sport.

“I think there is no better example [than Carleton] of how when you do the right things, the right way, your time will come.” — Sami Hill

The increase of fandom of women’s basketball in Canada, along with the Toronto WNBA expansion team, will only allow the number of resources for youth to increase. Youth basketball programs, but especially those who cater to girls’ basketball, are essential to helping more kids stick with the sport, and be seen by college recruiters – ultimately boosting more players into the professional level.

“If you can see it, you can be it,” but unfortunately until recently, no one could really “see it” in Canada. Even now, women’s basketball enthusiasts, journalists and fans put in constant effort to watch women’s basketball and see the stories of home grown players. Carleton’s impact on that accessibility is instrumental, as she grows the game in her own country every day just by performing at the highest level.

“To now see the confident leader, the worker, the beloved teammate and immensely talented player she has always been shine on the biggest stage in women’s basketball has been simply amazing.” — Jodi Steyer

While ultimately the Lynx and Canada did not walk away with the WNBA hardware they wanted in 2024, Bridget Carleton has a lot to be proud of — from playing her heart out around the world, to making some thrilling shots, to holding down her team. A country’s worth of women’s basketball fans came together to cheer her on from a distance, and the pride they felt as she continued to make key plays was undeniable.

“Those that know her or have played with her for a long time are not at all surprised. She is so hard working and humble and she truly does whatever the team needs her to do … I think she’s getting the moment and the spotlight she’s always deserved — even if she’s too shy for the spotlight.” — Sami Hill

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As for Carleton herself, it’s been business as usual this year — she mentioned in her 2024 Lynx exit interview that “that’s the habitat I was raised in, work as hard as I can, be the best teammate.” Her season is a reflection of those values — something any young player can look to for guidance.

As the offseason begins, Carleton plans to take a few weeks off before heading to Hungary to play in EuroLeague, the grind never stopping for her and many WNBA players in the offseason. She is also under contract for the Lynx in 2025, as the team will likely try to keep their core intact and give it another go.

Carleton is feeling the love from her home fans after an incredible year, but there is still plenty to come from the emerging Canadian superstar.