Carleton adds FISU silver medal to 2024 accolades
Members of the Carleton Ravens women’s basketball team had the honour this fall of representing both their country and school on the international stage.
Teresa Donato, Kyana Jade Poulin, Kinly Rice, Jacqueline Urban, and Ravens assistant coach Mackenzie Ash-Smith donned the red and white at the 2024 FISU University World Cup 3X3 Basketball Tournament in Xiamen, China in November.
“It was a surreal experience representing both Canada and Carleton at the FISU World University Cup,” said Rice. “The level of competition was intense, but I felt prepared for it, thanks to my time playing at Carleton. The coaching staff, team culture, and high level of training equipped me with the tools I needed to excel at the international level.”
They captured a silver medal for Canada and Carleton in the team’s second foray into international competition, after qualifying for the World Cup at the America’s Regional in May. The Ravens swept their round robin play before besting the FISU America teams from Mexico in the quarterfinals and semifinals.
“This tournament experience taught me a lot about who I am as a basketball player. 3x3 involves much more individual play compared to 5-on-5 basketball,” noted Urban.
“It showed me how much refined skill can be utilized in the game and is an area of emphasis for future development in my training at Carleton. This experience of travel and new environments also exposed the importance of an athlete's need to take care of their bodies with recovery and nutrition. Although the playing style and environment were a complete 180 from Carleton, the exposure to this atmosphere and challenges gave me inspiration to improve and take advantage of opportunities that are available to me”
The FISU World Cup feel was a change in pace in late November, a time when the OUA women’s basketball season is in full swing where the Ravens would be more accustomed to playing five-on-five basketball.
“It was a little bit different playing against international teams compared to our opponents in the OUA because we didn’t have the familiarity we normally have,” commented Donato.
“We play teams, once, twice, or even three times per season which allows us to be more comfortable with our scouts. Playing against international opponents meant we had to adjust quickly to style of play from their countries and adjust in the moment. 3x3 is very different from the traditional five-on-five basketball, which meant we had to think fast and handle whatever they threw at us. Therefore, playing against international teams was an adjustment for us but we adapted quickly”.
The silver medal adds to Carleton’s many accomplishments in the last 12 months and two years, as they come off back-to-back conference and national titles. Their continued success showcases not only their impact on the Carleton community, but women’s basketball in Canada.
“The visibility of women’s sports, especially with our recent successes, has been incredible,” shared Poulin. “It’s inspiring to see more people recognizing the hard work and talent in women’s basketball. I think it’s encouraging for younger athletes to see what’s possible and realize they can achieve great things too. Hopefully, our journey can motivate some younger girls to chase their goals with confidence and pride, knowing that there is a platform out there for women's basketball”
