MIAMI (USA) - The FIBA Women's AmeriCup 2021 has a lot on the line – the chance to participate in the FIBA World Cup 2022 qualifiers is at stake for the top four finishers.

But for team Canada, there is a lot more added pressure to perform at this year’s competition.

In 2019, team Canada took home the silver medal from San Juan after going undefeated in Group A play and having a dominant fourth quarter performance in the Semi-Finals against Brazil to move on to the final against the United States.

Though many players on team Canada contributed to the overall tournament success, forward Kayla Alexander led team Canada in both points and rebounds during the tournament that allowed them to nab the 5-0 record.

"As a team we played really hard, we had a great tournament, it was great for us to play with one another," said Alexander.

"This year, I’m going to go in there and lead by example, play my game, continue to learn and soak up every opportunity to be present – this is something that I’ve dreamt of for a long time and I don’t want to take it for granted."

Averaging 15.6 points and 10.2 rebounds, Alexander had a double-double three times during the group stage, including a personal high 23 points and 15 rebounds against Cuba.

Alexander did not dress for the final, facing off against the United States, where they fell 67-46, something that has resonated going into this year’s tournament.

"I know obviously it’s disappointing when you don’t come back with the gold medal, everyone goes there with the expectations of wanting to finish first, but despite that being able to come back with the silver was also something we could celebrate," said Alexander.

Alexander’s performance led her to be named to the All-Star Five of the tournament, the only player from Canada to receive the honor and one of only two players not from the United States to be named to the team.

With the growth of the game in Canada, many more female Canadian basketball players are fighting for the chance to be able to wear their country on their chest and participate in international competition.

"It was great to be able to compete and play with the senior women’s national team, that was the first time for me playing with the team for a really important tournament, I was very thankful for the opportunity and to be able to play alongside those incredible women," said Alexander.

As many Canadians play overseas due to the lack of domestic roster spots, being able to participate in competition within the Americas and compete with star-studded rosters like that of the United States is a highlight for many on team Canada who work their whole lives to be able to wear the red and white.

2019 was Alexander’s first FIBA Women's AmeriCup appearance, after making her first senior women’s national team roaster in 2018 being named to the FIBA World Cup roster but missing the competition due to injury.

This year’s tournament gives team Canada and Alexander not only a chance for redemption, but also to showcase the growing talents in Canadian basketball that are not always out on display in leagues like the WNBA or EuroLeague.

"There is so much talent here… it just shows there is so much passion and talent in Canada, I do believe we are building and have the talent that can rival other teams and compete at a high level, and the goal ultimately is to medal."

FIBA