Kayla Alexander approaches the Paris Games with equal parts excitement and gratitude.
It’s a mix she’s quite familiar with, but one she certainly doesn’t take for granted.
“I understand what a privilege it is to represent your country at the highest level,” the soon-to-be two-time Olympian told MiltonToday Thursday evening, the thrill of being named to the national women’s basketball team earlier in the week still noticeably fresh. “It’s a blessing.”
The Milton District High School graduate didn’t see a future in basketball when she first stepped onto the court in Barrie at age 12.
Thinking ahead to a teaching career at the time, her intro into the game didn’t bring the instant success enjoyed by many at her current level.
Reflecting back on the development to come – and the world of experiences that brought – Alexander definitely sees a grand design at play.
“”It wasn’t the life I had planned for myself, but the thing about God is He makes plans and they’re way better, so I’m glad for this journey He’s put me on,” said the 33-year-old centre, whose basketball prowess has not only allowed her to travel the world but seen her write a children’s book about the game, serve as a mentor to young players and even become a fashion brand ambassador for Talltique: The Tall Boutique during her first stint playing in France.
“And thanks to an orange bouncy ball, it’s given me so many opportunities. It’s taught me so much about myself, helped shape me into the woman I am today and allowed me to also give back.”
Along with a record-breaking career at Syracuse University and eight seasons in the WNBA, Alexander has played in many of the top leagues overseas – including in France, Russia, Poland, South Korea, Belgium and Australia.
That international seasoning, she feels, should bring a stronger mental game for her second Olympic go-around.
“I’m older and wiser,” quipped Canada’s co-captain, whose younger brother Kyle was part of the national men’s training camp before being cut Wednesday. “There’s just been growth I hope, and something I can pass along to my teammates who are heading into their first Olympics.”
Ready for full Olympic experience
While extremely appreciative of her time at the 2020 Tokyo Games, Alexander says she’s looking forward to an Olympics without COVID restrictions so she can see “all that takes place when it’s an open and safe environment.”
“I guess I didn’t get the full experience, but I didn’t know what I was missing.”
She also looks ahead to an expanded role in Paris, having seen limited play during her Olympic debut, when Canada finished a disappointing ninth.
Alexander stood out with 16 points a game in last year’s FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament run in Hungary, where the Canadians snagged the third and final berth to Paris. That was thanks to a little help from Spain, who overcame a huge early deficit to upstage the hosts.
Reflecting back on her two-decade basketball journey, Alexander remains extremely thankful to friend Nicole Murphy for bringing her to her first tryout.
Gratitude for her first coaches with the Barrie Royals, Monique Kovacs and Keith Massey, runs just as deep.
“They’re the ones who allowed me to have that safe environment to grow, make mistakes and fall in love with the game.”
Of course the list of people to thank hardly stops there.
“First there’s my parents and family, they’re the ones who keep me going and I’m forever grateful for. Then there’s all coaches and teammates. The list goes on.
“You don’t get to this point by yourself; you get here thanks to a village of people who support you.”
With her Canadians sitting fifth in the current world rankings, Alexander said the fast-approaching Olympics are all about “taking control of our destiny.”
“And for us that means playing Canadian basketball, which has always been defensive-minded. We have so many weapons, everyone brings something different to the team. If we just allow each other to play our best basketball and go in there with confidence, I think anything is possible.”
The Canadians kick off the Olympics July 29 against the hosts. The tournament represents a potential homecoming of sorts for Alexander and teammate Shay Colley, who as part of France’s Borgues last year closed out the season with a French Cup victory at Bercy Arena – where the final rounds of the Olympics will be held.
Said Alexander, “Hopefully we can recreate those winning feelings with the national team.”