ISTANBUL (FIBA World Championship for Women) - Kia Nurse wasn't even born the last time Canada made it to the Quarter-Final stage of the FIBA World Championship for Women.

You have to go back exactly two decades since Canada accomplished the feat and it is only adding to the excitement of the rising star.

"Wow, that really is something," smiled Nurse, after being told her nation had ended their 20-year wait by beating the Czech Republic 91-71 in the Qualification to the Quarter-Finals on Wednesday, to set up a date with Australia on Friday.

Nurse has the world at her feet right now and her smile tells the story of a rising star who is trying to soak it all up - as well as, most importantly of all, delivering the goods on the hardwood.

Her burgeoning talent has not only helped Canada reach an overdue peak, but will soon be showcased at the prestigious and renowned University of Connecticut in the NCAA.

"To play against the best in the world and have to defend the quickest point guards I have ever seen in this tournament has been an important stepping stone for me heading to college," revealed the 18-year-old.

"I know that it will be difficult, but then I won't have players like Celine Dumerc coming at me.

"It's also great for me being in this situation with Canada, because we have other young and new players who are going through this exciting experience alongside me.

"We can lean on each other for advice and everybody on this national team is very supportive of each other."

It feels a little crazy what is happening to me now in making the Quarter-Finals and of course going to college. - Nurse

With Canada now in Istanbul, it also means that Nurse will be able to talk in person with UConn and USA head coach Geno Auriemma.

"I hadn't thought too much about that, but I guess I will," laughed the teenager.

"It's especially strange to consider that instead of going home when it ends, I will be heading to UConn."

However, before Nurse focuses too much on the next stage of what looks like being a potentially very fruitful career, she will firstly try and propel Canada to even greater heights in Turkey.

FIBA