CAN - Nothing beats playing for the national team

TORONTO (FIBA World Championship for Women) - Tamara Tatham cherishes her summers with Canada's national side.

A 28-year-old forward from Brampton, Ontario, who plays professionally in the Slovakian top flight with Piestansky Cajky, Tatham has represented her country since the 2007 FIBA Americas Championship.

With each new year, her role in the squad grows in importance.

In September, Tatham led the team in scoring at 12.5 points per game as it finished runners-up to Cuba at the FIBA Americas Championship for Women in Xalapa, Mexico, and clinched a spot in the FIBA World Championship for Women.

Everyone in the Canada side had wanted gold, but the players and coaching staff still left the tournament with a good taste in the mouth.

"It is amazing that we qualified for the 'Worlds'," Tatham said.

"Of course we wanted gold, but Cuba played their butts off so we can’t argue that at all."

While the Canadians were able to celebrate their achievement in Mexico, something else comes to mind when Tatham thinks about 2013.

"My best memory this summer was not only making the 'Worlds' but also reaching my 100th game mark with the national team," she said.

"It was in China (in the build-up to Mexico) and after the game, I was presented with amazing flowers! Definitely a moment to remember forever."

The last couple of summers with Canada have been outstanding.

In 2012, Tatham and Canada travelled to Turkey to play at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament for Women and clinched a spot in the Olympics.

Once in London, the Canadians played well and reached the Quarter-Finals before falling to eventual champions Team USA.

"Playing at the Olympic Games was an unreal experience and I wouldn't trade it for anything," Tatham said.

"There were a lot of highlights, but what I remember the most is the Opening Ceremony and all the lights.

"I've seen it on TV before and it's such an honor to actually get the chance to be a part of that.

"The highlight of my experience at the Olympic Games was getting to share that moment and experience with my sister."

Tatham's younger sister, Alisha, was also in that Canada squad.

Tatham, who was speaking to Canada Basketball, says there really is nothing that equals the satisfaction and joy of playing for the national team.

"Playing for my country is the ultimate honor," she said.

"No feeling like having the word Canada written across my chest as I rep my country in the sport I love."

FIBA