Bridget Carleton Bio
Bridget Elizabeth Carleton (born May 22, 1997) is a Canadian professional basketball player for the Minnesota Lynx of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and USK Praha of the Czech Women’s Basketball League. She played college basketball for the Iowa State Cyclones and competes internationally with the Canada national team. Carleton has established herself as a significant player in women’s basketball, known for her versatility and scoring ability on the court.
Early Life and Background
Bridget Carleton was born in Chatham, Ontario, Canada. Growing up in a supportive environment, she developed a passion for basketball at an early age. Carleton attended John McGregor Secondary School in Chatham, where she honed her skills and showcased her talent on the court. Her dedication to the sport led her to pursue further education and training in basketball at Iowa State University, where she played for the Iowa State Cyclones from 2015 to 2019.
Path to Basketball
During her time at Iowa State University, Bridget Carleton made a significant impact on the women’s basketball program. She finished her college career with an impressive 2,142 points, ranking second in the Cyclones’ all-time scoring list. Carleton’s performance earned her numerous accolades, including the Cheryl Miller Award and recognition as a WBCA All-American in 2019. After an outstanding college career, she was drafted in the second round of the 2019 WNBA Draft by the Connecticut Sun, marking the beginning of her professional journey.
Bridget Carleton Career
Early Career (2019)
Carleton’s professional career began with the Connecticut Sun, where she made the opening day roster. However, her time with the Sun was short-lived, as she was released after just four games. On August 22, 2019, she signed a seven-day contract with the Minnesota Lynx, which led to a longer-term contract for the remainder of the season. Carleton quickly became a valuable asset to the Lynx, especially during the 2020 season when she filled in for the injured Sylvia Fowles. In her first WNBA start on August 5, 2020, Carleton made history by scoring 25 points and grabbing seven rebounds.
Breakthrough (2024)
The 2024 season marked a significant breakthrough for Bridget Carleton. She doubled her playing minutes compared to the previous year and ranked fifth in the league for her three-point shooting percentage. Carleton’s performance in the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup was particularly noteworthy, as she contributed 23 points, four rebounds, five assists, and three steals in the championship game. Her efforts did not go unnoticed, as she was awarded the 2024 Sylvia Fowles Altruism Award, recognizing her contributions both on and off the court. Carleton’s leadership and performance solidified her status as a key player for the Lynx.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout her career, Bridget Carleton has achieved several notable milestones, including being named the Jordan Rising Stars MVP in 2023 and the ACC Defensive Player of the Year in 2021. She has also won multiple awards during her college career, including the Big 12 Player of the Year in 2019 and three First-team All-Big 12 selections from 2017 to 2019.
Bridget Carleton Award Nominations
Bridget Carleton has received numerous nominations throughout her career, reflecting her impact in women’s basketball at both the collegiate and professional levels. Her accolades highlight her talent and contributions to the sport.
Bridget Carleton Awards Won
Carleton has won several prestigious awards, including the Jordan Rising Stars MVP in 2023 and the ACC Defensive Player of the Year in 2021. These awards underscore her skills and dedication to the game.
Bridget Carleton Family
Information about Bridget Carleton’s family is not publicly available, as she tends to keep her personal life private.
Personal Life
Bridget Carleton has not publicly disclosed details about her personal life, including relationships or children. She remains focused on her basketball career and contributions to the sport.
