Bridget Carleton

Balancing a Life Between Continents, the WNBA and Team Canada Talent Stays Connected to Her Roots

Story by Paula Just
Photography courtesy of Minnesota Lynx

The world may think it has “won her over,” but global basketball player Bridget Carleton’s heart and roots are in Chatham-Kent. Although she has lived in more than five different countries in recent years, it was here that she was born, raised and learned how to play basketball. Today, she spends most of her time abroad but returns every Christmas to enjoy a few days of rest with her family.

Bridget Carleton is one of the most renowned names in women’s basketball today. She represents three teams across different nations: Çukurova Basketbol in Turkey, the Minnesota Lynx in the United States for the WNBA, and Canada’s national squad. When asked where her official home is, she laughs and responds, “I still consider Chatham my home. I play in the WNBA in the summer and then go overseas in the winter. And so if I have a week or two, I’ll try to get back when I can to my family’s house.”

The athlete grew up in a sports-loving family. Her two sisters also played sports, but she pursued a career in basketball, mainly inspired by her mother who played in college. “I wanted to follow in her footsteps, and we bonded because of basketball, so we got really close. She was my high school and club coach, which was a lot of fun. I think that’s helped me get to where I am.” 

Her inspiration paid off. After graduating from Chatham’s John McGregor Secondary School, Bridget attended Iowa State University on a sports scholarship. During her time at the university, she became the second-highest scorer in the university’s history, honing her skills. Her professional basketball journey began in 2019 when the Connecticut Sun selected her in the WNBA draft, and soon after, she joined the Minnesota Lynx.

What once seemed like a distant dream has been a reality for almost six years now. “It’s been a journey. I didn’t think I was ever going to be in the WNBA. It’s hard to stay in the league because there are so many good players around the world. So, I’ve been lucky to find a home in Minnesota. Last year was an incredible year for us,” she said. 

Even though having great success in America, Bridget sought opportunities worldwide. The difference in seasons— while here the season happens during the summer, in Europe, it unfolds in the winter—allows players to have a more flexible schedule and play throughout the year, making the most of their skills and international visibility. 

In the last years, she has played in various countries, including Australia, France, Israel, Spain, Hungary and currently, Turkey. Nowadays, at 27 years old, she has been living in the city of Mersin and plays for one of the strongest teams in Europe. “The basketball here is really competitive. People are pretty intense and passionate about it, so there’s a little bit of pressure. But it’s definitely been a good learning experience. The culture here is so new for me; it’s a very Muslim country, and we now have Ramadan. It’s really cool to be a part of it and see how they live.”

Despite being an international figure in basketball, Bridget also represents her home country in competitions. She has worn the Canadian national team uniform in two Olympics and World Cups, considering her most significant honour. “Being at the Olympics and representing Canada has always been a goal and a dream of mine ever since I was a little kid. We would always watch it; the games are a big event in our household every two years, and I grew up with full pride and passion for our country. I knew I wanted to do that one day, so being able to do that was really cool”.

Although the world of sports is often marked by intense competition, with athletes fighting for victories and achievements, for Bridget, building genuine friendships in this environment is entirely possible. Proof of this is that she recently won the Sylvia Fowles Altruism Award with the Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA. For those unfamiliar, the award was created to recognize those who demonstrate a significant commitment to the community, aligning with the altruistic values of one of the most respected WNBA basketball players.

The award is granted annually and seeks to celebrate athletes who, beyond their athletic skills, stand out for their selfless actions, dedicating time and resources to social causes and positively impacting their communities. “Winning that award meant a lot to me because my teammates and my staff coaches recognized that I have some of those traits of Sylvia Fowles, who was such a giving and confident person. I believe that, sometimes, you can’t control whether to win or lose the game; you can’t control whether the ball goes in the basket or not. But you can control how you approach every day with a smile and how to make it a fun environment to work in. I think this is really important,” she said.

For 2025, her biggest goal is to win the WNBA championship, be available for the Canadian national team, and train to ensure her best possible performance for the coming years. “I just want to continue to get better and help my teams however I can. I want to be my best version, continue to improve, and represent Canada.” 

Focusing on her professional career has given Bridget excellent results, but she needs to give up many moments with family and friends to live this. “The hardest part starts with being away from family and friends. This year, I missed my nephew’s first birthday. Also, being thrown into a new environment where I didn’t know anybody was difficult at first, but I learned how to adjust pretty quickly. At the end of the day, it’s worth it because I’m doing what I love.”

The player also has a responsibility to inspire young talents. Her biggest advice for people pursuing a sports career is to trust yourself. “You have to be your own motivation. I got to where I am because no one forced me to do anything; I was motivated myself to get better. There are dips, curves and turns, and they are unpredictable. But have fun, and don’t be too hard on yourself,” concluded.

Follow @bridgetcarleton on social media to stay updated on her latest news.

Published in the May/June 2025 Edition.