Ravens capture silver on world stage.
In November 2024, members of the Carleton Ravens Women's Basketball Program brought home a silver medal at the International University Sports Federation (FISU) University World Cup 3X3 Basketball tournament, held in Xiamen, China.
Q&A with Carleton Raven's Women's Basketball
Players Jacqueline Urban, Teresa Donato, Kyana-Jade Poulin and Kinly Rice represented both the Ravens and Canada at the international tournament, competing against some of the best university-level athletes from around the world.
We spoke with the team about their experience and how this achievement will impact the future generation of women student-athletes on campus.
Q: This is the first time the Ravens have been to the FISU University World Cup. What was it like representing both Carleton and Canada on an international stage?
JACQUELINE URBAN: This opportunity was amazing; I am thankful to be one of the four chosen to represent Carleton and Canada. Being the first to compete on the international stage for Carleton is an honour, and we hope to be a part of the beginning of new and upcoming opportunities for the future Ravens and Canadian universities.
KINLY RICE: It was an honour to represent both Carleton and Canada at the FISU University World Cup. It’s not every day you get to compete on an international stage, so it was a very special experience. I was very proud to not only wear the Canadian colours, but also have Carleton University across my chest. I wasn’t just representing myself, but my teammates, coaches and everyone who’s supported me along my basketball journey, making the experience all the more meaningful.
TERESA DONATO: Representing both Carleton and Canada on an international stage was such a surreal experience. Being able to play with my teammates and represent both my university and my country was an honour. It was incredible to compete against top-level talent from around the world with my teammates and best friends. This is an experience I will cherish for a lifetime!
KYANA-JADE POULIN: Representing Carleton and Canada at the FISU University World Cup was an honour and an unforgettable experience. It reminded me of how much basketball has given me, and being on such a stage made me appreciate the journey that led to this moment even more. This opportunity was truly incredible and I couldn’t have been more grateful to be part of it.
Q: What was the biggest challenge you and your teammates faced during the tournament, either on or off the court?
JACQUELINE URBAN: The biggest challenge my teammates and I faced on the court was adjusting to the style of play. Being in our regular team season at Carleton, we did not specifically spend much time training for 3X3. Facing teams who compete in this style of basketball regularly forced us to adjust in the moment as the style of play is very fast-paced.
We also faced difficulties when it came to fatigue. Our travel days to China were long and tiring with a 13-hour time change. Adjusting our sleep schedules for a short 2-day competition was hard. Making sure we ate well, hydrated properly, kept our bodies active and maintained adequate sleep was an emphasis of our travel.
Q: This event had you competing against some of the best university-level female athletes from around the world. How did playing against international teams differ from your usual games?
TERESA DONATO: It was different playing against international teams compared to our usual opponents because we didn't have the familiarity we normally have with the teams in our league. We play teams once, twice or even three times per season which allows us to be more comfortable with our scouts. Playing against international opponents meant we had to adjust quickly to the style of play from their countries and adjust in the moment. 3X3 is very different from the traditional 5X5 basketball, which meant we had to think fast and handle whatever they threw at us. It was an adjustment for us but we adapted quickly!
Q: Was there anything you learned or took from the tournament experience, that you plan on carrying forward into your basketball career here at Carleton?
KINLY RICE: One thing I took away from the tournament is the importance of adaptability. The international teams brought a lot of different strategies and approaches to the game that we as a team had to adjust to quickly. Being able to read the game and adjust on the fly can be the difference between winning and losing. It's not just about executing what you've practiced, but also about reading the situation and reacting accordingly. This mindset is something I’ll carry with me moving forward.
KYANA-JADE POULIN: 3X3 basketball is a game that demands a lot of mental toughness and focus, which is something that I can transfer onto my regular season. I believe that one of the most beautiful things in this sport is overcoming adversity, and this tournament allowed me to be very vulnerable and experience many different feelings, which is something I am definitely going to carry forward. Beyond basketball, the experience of discovering a new country and connecting with different cultures was so rewarding. Knowing that I had the chance to do all of that because of my university and basketball is something I’ll always be grateful for.
Q: The Ravens Women’s Basketball Program and members of its team have had a lot of success in recent years, including this opportunity to play on an international stage. What kind of impact do you think that level of visibility for women’s sports has had on campus? How do you hope your accomplishments might inspire the next generation of women student-athletes?
JACQUELINE URBAN: We hope that this level of visibility brings more awareness to the talent Carleton women's athletics has to offer. I think the success and new opportunities that have happened through our basketball program have encouraged the school to support and show up for women's sports. The more success and unique opportunities that occur create more recognition to our school's culture.
I hope that all of our accomplishments encourage female student-athletes to continue to pursue and develop in their chosen sport. I hope that we represent and are an example of the endless opportunities that are possible. I think we have shown that we don't have to limit ourselves and put our futures in a box. We have shown that we are more than capable of accomplishing our goals and expanding our experiences.
TERESA DONATO: I think it has a huge impact as it brings attention to the talent and hard work of female athletes, showing that women's sports deserve to be highlighted and recognized just as much as male sports, especially on campus. I hope my accomplishments show the next generation of female student-athletes that they can play at the highest level whether that be internationally or not, balance their academics and succeed. Anything is possible with hard work, determination and dedication.
KYANA-JADE POULIN: The visibility of women’s sports, especially with our recent successes, has been incredible. It’s inspiring to see more people recognizing the hard work and talent in women’s basketball. I think it’s encouraging for younger athletes to see what’s possible and realize they can achieve great things too. Hopefully, our journey can motivate some younger girls to chase their goals with confidence and pride, knowing that there is a platform out there for women's basketball.
KINLY RICE: I think the success of the Ravens Women's Basketball Program has really helped elevate the visibility of women’s sports on campus. It’s awesome to see more people getting excited about women’s athletics and showing support for our team. With opportunities like this international competition, it definitely helps put women’s sports in the spotlight, and I think it’s inspiring other female athletes to believe in themselves and pursue their goals. I hope our team’s accomplishments show the next generation that anything is possible if you put in the work and stay dedicated.
