Carleton meets with Portland media
May 3, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Fire forward Bridget Carleton (6) defends Los Angeles Sparks guard Jihyun Park (6) in the first half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-Imagn Images | Jaime Valdez-Imagn Images PORTLAND, Ore. — Bridget Carleton has officially arrived in the Rose City, stepping into a role that feels like the ultimate culmination of a journey that began as a dominant collegiate star and evolved through years of professional grit.
Although she arrived later than her teammates due to finishing her season in Prague, Carleton remained tethered to the franchise’s inaugural steps. “The whole practice film was sent to us, so I was in Prague watching the whole thing in my off time,” Carleton said on Friday. Bridget Carleton on Joining the Portland Fire, Understanding a New System, and Building Chemistry pic.
twitter. com/VLPqQwfCVr — Portland Fire (@theportlandfire) May 1, 2026 From Iowa State legend to WNBA resilience Carleton’s arrival as a franchise cornerstone is particularly poignant given her history. She entered the professional ranks following a storied career at Iowa State University, where she was the first Cyclone women’s basketball player to named Big 12 Player of the Year (Ashley Joens won the award in 2023) and was the recipient of the 2019 Cheryl Miller Award as the nation’s top small forward.
Despite leaving Ames as the program’s second all-time leading scorer with 2,142 points, her transition to the WNBA was far from guaranteed. Drafted 21st overall in the second round, Carleton faced immediate adversity when she was waived just one month into her rookie season in Connecticut. “I think it’s kind of surreal,” Carleton said reflecting on a path that saw her fight for roster spots in Minnesota before becoming a full-time starter.
“To be where I am today, I know younger me would not believe it and just – really proud of all the work I’ve put in, and I just love the game so much,” she added. A choice based on balue Her decision to sign with Portland was rooted in a desire to play where her contributions were not just useful, but essential. “I wanted to go somewhere where they wanted me, and Portland showed how much they wanted me here,” Carleton said, pointing to the fact that the team selected her first in the expansion draft.