Bridget Carleton’s Remarkable Journey: From Unknown to WNBA Finals Star

MINNEAPOLIS – Just before Wednesday’s Game 3 of the WNBA Finals, former Iowa State standout Bridget Carleton made her way through the tunnel at the Target Center in Minneapolis, acknowledging fans eager for her autograph. “To be in the Finals is really surreal,” Carleton remarked about her journey to the pinnacle of women’s professional basketball.

This season marks a turning point for Carleton, following uncertainties earlier in her career. As one of the most celebrated players in Iowa State Cyclones’ history from 2015 to 2019, Carleton faced challenges finding her footing in the WNBA. Briefly out of the league, she has emerged as a key player for the Minnesota Lynx.

“I dreamed of playing professionally at a high level but I never expected to be in the league this long and on a really good team right now,” Carleton stated. She is concluding her fifth full season in the WNBA, a period defined by growth and perseverance.

The New York Liberty edged out the Minnesota Lynx 80-77 on Wednesday, placing the Lynx one loss away from elimination in the finals series. Nonetheless, Carleton continues to thrive, seizing opportunities she never imagined possible earlier in her career. “I think she’s in the prime of her career,” commented Minnesota’s General Manager Clare Duwelius.

Carleton’s initial exposure to professional basketball was modest. Growing up in Chatham, Ontario, Canada, she rarely saw televised games. Her fascination grew after attending a Detroit Shock game, where she secured former WNBA player Ruth Riley’s autograph. Yet, her true ambitions lay with Canada’s national team and the Olympics.

Despite her modest expectations, Carleton’s name started appearing on WNBA drafts during her college years, spurring her professional aspirations. Drafted by the Connecticut Sun in 2019’s second round, Carleton faced her first career challenge; after four appearances, she was cut from the roster.

“At that point, I didn’t know if I was going to get another chance in the W,” Carleton admitted. While back in Canada, she awaited new opportunities, eventually joining the Minnesota Lynx on a temporary contract, which became the stepping stone to her impressive WNBA career.

With the Lynx, Carleton found a platform to showcase her skills. Her breakthrough came following an injury to another player, when she stepped up and delivered a standout performance. “She loves this game so much that she sticks with it,” said her mother, Carrie Carleton.

Carleton’s transformation from a role player to a vital team member mirrors the upward trajectory of her career, culminating in this season with near-starter status in the majority of games. “You don’t see people literally hang around for a few years, make a roster and now become … she’s a pretty important player on a really good team,” said Iowa State coach Bill Fennelly.

Her unique bond with Lynx Coach Cheryl Reeve, who consistently encourages her to enhance her game, has been crucial. “She takes it. She wants it. She wants to be great,” Reeve noted.

As a key player in the series against Liberty, Carleton’s contributions go beyond the scoreboard, making critical defensive plays. “[Bridget] is one of the best people you’ll ever meet,” praised WNBA Defensive Player of the Year Napheesa Collier. Carleton’s on-court acumen extends to forming effective defensive stances, a testament to her versatile gameplay.

The Lynx aim to even the series in Minneapolis in Game 4, potentially forcing a clinching Game 5 in New York. Whatever the outcome, Carleton’s story is a testament to resilience and determination, a source of inspiration for many young athletes.