Canada faced a tough setback as they were eliminated from World Cup contention just before finalizing a new collective bargaining agreement for the WNBA and the debut of Canada’s first WNBA team. The national team, coached by Sandy Brondello of the Toronto Tempo, was defeated by Australia, leading to a mix of emotions for Brondello who juggles multiple roles.
Despite the disappointment, Brondello expressed optimism for Canada’s future, highlighting the team’s strength and promising young talent like the Swords sisters. The WNBA will pause for over two weeks to accommodate players for the World Cup, where Canada won’t be competing due to a loss to Australia earlier.
On a brighter note, Canada secured a spot in a 2028 Olympic qualifier after dominating a pre-qualifying tournament by defeating Mexico. Syla Swords, a standout player, was named the tournament MVP, showcasing her potential as a rising star in Canadian basketball.
The team’s successful tournament run featured a mix of experienced veterans and promising young players, impressing head coach Nell Fortner. Despite missing out on the World Cup, Canada’s focus now shifts to preparing for the Olympics and future competitions.
Fortner emphasized the importance of continuity and growth within the team, especially with the abundance of Canadian talent at the NCAA level. The upcoming months will be vital for Canada to solidify their roster and build towards a strong showing at the Los Angeles Olympics.
While the road ahead may pose challenges, Canada’s foundation seems promising for future success, aiming to turn setbacks into opportunities for growth and development in international competition.