After playing for Canada's development teams since 2013, Chatham basketball star Bridget Carleton says being invited to the Women's National Phase One Camp feels a bit different.
"It does mean a little bit more because it's the final step," says Carleton. "I'm only turning 19 soon, but it's where I want to be and it's my ultimate goal."
Carleton is training in Chatham for now, but in less than a week she'll be one of 24 players working out in Edmonton, as part of the first stage of training for Basketball Canada.
With the team already punching their ticket to the 2016 Olympics in Rio, the John McGregor Secondary School grad is setting her sights on Tokyo 2020.
"Being able to compete against older people, seeing what they train like, it's good for me. Hopefully next summer is when I can slide in. Again, I'm just going to make the most of this opportunity," says Carleton.
Initial workouts run from May 21 to 30. The team will then play a series of exhibition games in Spain and France.
She's also been invited to the University-level Canadian development camp, so either way, it's sure to be another busy summer for Bridget Carleton.