“It’s been a journey. I didn’t think I was ever going to be in the WNBA,” once said Minnesota Lynx mainstay Bridget Carleton. Carelton has made quite the journey to become a vital piece in this formidable Minnesota squad, where she has played for the last 7 seasons. This season, she has played each of their 16 games while averaging 6.8 points and 2.4 assists as a forward. Let’s dive into her journey and where she comes from. 

Where is Bridget Carleton from, and what is her nationality?

Bridget Carleton was born on May 22, 1997, in Chatham, Ontario, Canada. A proud Canadian, she has represented her country with distinction since her youth, competing on Canada Basketball’s U16, U17, U18, and U19 national teams. Her journey began at John McGregor Secondary School, where she quickly emerged as a standout talent. 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.

As a senior in club basketball with JUEL, Carleton dominated with averages of 28.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 3.1 steals per game. Her talent took her to Iowa State University, where she became one of the program’s all-time greats. She ranks second in career scoring with 2,142 points and third in field goals with 713, steals with 211, and blocked shots with 124. Despite spending much of her professional career overseas and in the WNBA, Carleton’s heart remains in Chatham.

“I still consider Chatham my home,” she shared. “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.”

Carleton joined Canada’s Senior National Team in 2016, making her debut in exhibition play. She helped Canada defend gold at the 2017 FIBA AmeriCup, contributed to a seventh-place finish at the 2018 FIBA World Cup, and earned silver at the 2019 AmeriCup. In 2020, she was officially named to Canada’s Olympic team, competing in Tokyo. Most recently, at the Sopron 2024 Olympic Qualifying Tournament, Carleton delivered a strong performance, averaging 14 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2 assists per game. She played a pivotal role in securing Canada’s place in the Paris 2024 Olympics.

What is Bridget Carleton’s ethnicity?

Carleton’s ethnicity isn’t publicly documented, but based on her Canadian heritage and background, she likely has European-Canadian roots. While specific details remain private, what’s clear is that Bridget’s identity is deeply woven into Canadian culture and community values, a reflection of her upbringing and pride in representing her country on the world stage. 

Is Bridget Carleton Christian? 

Carleton’s Religious affiliation is not publicly known. Her mother Carrie Carlton attended a Catholic school, the St. Ursula School in Chatham, so it’s a possibility that she is a Catholic Christian. 

Looking ahead to 2025, Bridget Carleton has her sights set on one of the sport’s highest honors, a WNBA championship with the Minnesota Lynx. As a key contributor on one of the league’s most formidable rosters, she continues to elevate her game while carving out a legacy not just as a top-tier WNBA player but as one of the most accomplished Canadian athletes of her generation.