Canadian freshmen hope to make their mark in women’s March Madness and beyond
Canadian freshmen are making waves in the NCAA women’s basketball scene as they gear up for the highly anticipated March Madness tournament. With standout players like Syla Swords, Toby Fournier, Delaney Gibb, and Jasmine Bascoe, the future of Canadian basketball looks bright.
Syla Swords, a point guard for the Michigan Wolverines, has already made history as the youngest Canadian Olympian to play for the senior women’s basketball team at the Paris 2024 Games. With her experience playing alongside some of the greatest hoopers in the world, Swords is ready to lead her team to victory in the tournament.
Toby Fournier, a 6-foot-3 forward for Duke, gained attention for her dunking abilities at just 14 years old. Named the ACC Conference’s Rookie of The Year, Fournier is set to make a splash in her first March Madness appearance with the Blue Devils.
Delaney Gibb, a freshman at BYU, has represented Canada in international competitions like the FIBA Women’s AmeriCup and the U19 Canadian Team. Despite not qualifying for the tournament this year, Gibb is proud to represent her country on the NCAA stage.
Jasmine Bascoe, a key player for Villanova, was named first team All-Big East for her contributions to the team. While Villanova didn’t make it to the tournament this year, Bascoe is grateful for the support and camaraderie among her fellow Canadian freshmen.
As the number of Canadian athletes in NCAA basketball continues to grow, these young players are proving that Canada is a force to be reckoned with on the court. With a record number of Canadian men also competing in NCAA basketball, it’s clear that basketball talent in Canada is on the rise.
The success of athletes like Caitlin Clarke, Angel Reese, and Paige Bueckers in last year’s tournament has inspired a new generation of Canadian players to showcase their skills on the national stage. With the support of their fellow athletes and fans, Canadian freshmen are ready to make their mark in the 2025 NCAA women’s basketball tournament.
