FIBA Women's AmeriCup 2025 – Team Profile: Canada

MIAMI (United States) – Canada is ranked seventh in the FIBA Women’s World Ranking, presented by Nike and second in the Americas behind the United States. Canada has always been a team to watch in the FIBA Women’s AmeriCup. In the previous edition, the team captured the bronze medal and will once again enter the tournament as a strong contender. In 2024, Canada competed in the FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament, which secured the team a spot at the Paris Olympic Games. In France, they fell to the host nation, as well as to Australia and Nigeria. Nevertheless, competing against some of the best teams in the world and qualifying for their fourth consecutive Olympic Games speaks to the consistency of the Canadian squad.

The FIBA Women’s AmeriCup in Chile will mark the beginning of a new chapter for Canada, with the debut of a new head coach on the bench.

Tournament history

Canada is the only nation to have participated in all 18 editions of the Women’s AmeriCup, including this year’s tournament. The team has earned three titles—1995 at home, 2015, and 2017—making it the fourth-most successful team in the event’s history. Canada has 13 total medals, including eight bronze, and ranks second behind Brazil in all-time podium finishes.

Players to watch

Veteran center Kayla Alexander is expected to lead the team. The 34-year-old averaged 9.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game at the Paris Olympics. Her presence in the paint provides a steady anchor for Canada’s ambitions in the tournament.

Shay Colley is coming off her strongest performance yet with the national team, delivering on the biggest stage at the Olympics. In Paris, she posted a career-high 12.3 points and 3.3 assists per game and is expected to lead the offense in Chile. Also on the preliminary AmeriCup and 2024 Olympic roster are Sami Hill, a reliable perimeter shooter (5.0 points per game), and forward Yvonne Ejim, who are both projected to play a more prominent role. Another experienced player, Shaina Pellington, competed at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games as well.

Head coach: Nell Fortner

Fortner, one of the most accomplished coaches in the tournament, brings decades of experience to the neighboring country. She served as an assistant for USA Basketball from 1995 to 1996 and as head coach from 1997 to 2000. During that time, she led the team to a FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup title in 1998 and an Olympic gold medal at the Sydney 2000 Games.

Most recently, she announced her retirement from college coaching at Georgia Tech (2019-2025). She now takes on a new challenge with Canada, aiming to guide the team to the top of the podium.

Outlook

Canada will compete in Group A, opening against El Salvador, followed by matchups against Argentina, Brazil, and the Dominican Republic. They are expected to battle Brazil for the top spot in the group and are strong candidates for a podium finish. The arrival of coach Fortner, who enjoyed great success in the past with USA, could provide a major boost. However, as with any new head coach, the team may require time to adjust. With a core of experienced Olympians and several promising young players, Canada has serious ambitions at the FIBA Women’s AmeriCup 2025.

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