It was a harsh turn of events.
Only three days prior to the WNBA and its players reaching a new collective bargaining agreement — which would mark the beginning of Canada’s first WNBA team’s inaugural season — the national team of Canada faced a setback.
They were eliminated from World Cup qualification, and it was at the hands of the Australian squad coached by Sandy Brondello, who leads the Toronto Tempo.
“I felt like they were going to kick me out now. Ultimately, I had to remind myself of my role and the name I represent across my chest,” Brondello expressed, acknowledging the awkwardness of her dual responsibilities.
“It was a fiercely contested match. I feel for Canada. They are a robust team, and with some exceptional young talent emerging, they will remain competitive for years to come. Sometimes a reset is necessary to bounce back, and we experienced something similar after Tokyo.”
“Canada will be alright. I know they have the Swords [sisters] and some outstanding players from the college system. Once they integrate those players, they will be in a favorable position.”
This Monday, the WNBA will pause for two and a half weeks, allowing players to participate in the World Cup that kicks off in Berlin on September 4. Unfortunately, Canada will not be present, having suffered an 82-76 defeat to an already-qualified Australian team in March, despite finishing fourth in the 2022 tournament.
Despite the loss to her Australian team, Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello believes ‘Canada is going to be fine.’ (Michael Chisholm/Getty Images)
Canada secures pre-qualifying tournament victory
Better news emerged on Sunday when Canada triumphed over Mexico with an 83-53 scoreline, completing a perfect 5-0 run in their pre-qualifying tournament held in Guadalajara, thus securing a place in the Olympic qualifier set for February 2028.
Syla Swords, the 20-year-old player highlighted by Brondello as one of Canada’s promising talents alongside her sister Savvy, earned the tournament MVP title, averaging 14.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and one steal per game.
This positions Canada favorably with a relatively low-pressure next 17 months, providing an excellent opportunity to cultivate team chemistry, lay a solid foundation, and allow emerging players like Swords to further develop their skills.
The squad that dominated Mexico consisted of six seasoned players (such as Kayla Alexander and Sami Hill) alongside six younger talents, including NCAA athletes Syla Swords (Michigan), Agot Makeer (South Carolina), Delaney Gibb (BYU), and others. Head coach Nell Fortner described it as an ideal blend, particularly impressed with the younger contingent.
“They have a different approach. I’m not sure if that makes sense, but their dedication to the game of basketball and to their country is remarkable,” Fortner noted.
Swords, in particular, demonstrated her potential as Canada’s next basketball sensation.
“She played without fear. It was clear to everyone watching just how exceptional of a shooter she is, from her quick release to her accuracy and consistency. She already carries herself like a professional, and coaching her was a real pleasure,” Fortner remarked.
However, it’s undeniable that the opportunity for Swords and her peers to gain experience on the World Cup stage would have been ideal. Canada, currently ranked seventh by FIBA and with WNBA athletes in the mix, lost three of five games during the March tournament in a pool that included only one higher-ranked team.
“Do I wish we were at the World Cup? Absolutely,” Fortner expressed. “But we achieved the next best thing, which was crucial for us. Everyone committed to it, from the players to the coaching staff. We accomplished our goal, and that is very encouraging as we move forward.”
The group of six young NCAA players also included Avery Howell (Washington), Cearah Parchment (Illinois), and Jasmine Bascoe (Villanova). Meanwhile, Michigan’s Mila Holloway was part of the team’s camp but was sidelined from the tournament due to injury, as stated by Fortner. Star player Toby Fournier from Duke was not with the team over the summer, with Fortner adding, “We would have loved to have had her.”
While disappointed that Canada won’t participate in the World Cup, head coach Nell Fortner, center, believes winning the pre-qualification tournament is a significant achievement, (Burak Basturk/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images)
Emerging Canadian talent in NCAA
It’s challenging, if not impossible, to recall a time when Canadian talent at the NCAA level has been this abundant — coinciding with the sport’s growth throughout this decade.
Fortner, aged 67 and originally from Jackson, Mississippi, witnessed a similar phenomenon during her tenure as head coach and general manager of the expansion Indiana Fever in 1999.
“Suddenly, you see young players, little girls growing up, aspiring to be professional basketball players. Oh my, that’s incredible. The number of young women participating in basketball is set to explode in Canada very soon, which is thrilling,” Fortner stated.
In a conversation with selected media just before the Tempo began their regular season, WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert reflected on the potential impact the Tempo could have on the national program.
“Particularly at the grassroots level. For young girls across Canada to come to Toronto — we’re also hosting games in Montreal and Vancouver — and witness professional basketball players, I think it will inspire numerous girls to pick up a basketball who might not have otherwise done so, especially if they see someone who resembles them, plays like them, and is like them,” Engelbert noted.
For the time being, Canada has these 17 months to prepare for its opportunity to compete in the Los Angeles Olympics.
Fortner expressed her desire to convene the team, including WNBA players, for a training camp next February. The most significant tournament for Canada before the Olympic qualifier will be the FIBA AmeriCup next July in El Salvador.
“They are not learning something new each time they arrive at training camp. We are simply building and continuing to enhance our offensive and defensive strategies,” Fortner explained.
After Brondello’s Team Australia experienced a “reset” following an eighth-place finish at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, they went on to defeat Canada for bronze at the 2022 World Cup and secured another third-place finish at the 2024 Olympics.
While success may not come as swiftly for the Canadians, the foundational elements seem to be in place to transform the setback of missing the World Cup into forward strides.