All three players are looking forward to Los Angeles in 2028. Collier’s impact is expected to go a step further. After a coaching change and the influx of some new players, Carleton is looking to return and help get Team Canada into the medal round.
It’s been a remarkable journey for Smith. Two years ago, the former Stanford star was released and no longer on the WNBA roster. So far from home, she couldn’t wait for short-term opportunities. Some thought her WNBA story was over.
But Smith had a strong season in Europe. She went to Chicago and became a productive starter in 2023. Smith was signed by the Lynx as a free agent and is having a career year.
“I was pretty down,” Smith said. “And now I’m sitting here in the company of greats. I’ve won a medal myself. I’m on a great team in the WNBA. If you told me two years ago that this would happen to me, I would have told you you were lying. Winning a medal at the Olympics is great. Winning a championship in the WNBA would be the icing on the cake. To do that with these guys – that’s the next goal.”
And that starts Thursday. Talks about 2028 can wait a while. Reeve did not mention whether she would have the opportunity or desire to return as coach of Team USA. But she said the increasing interest in women’s basketball, combined with existing expectations, makes the head job a little more difficult this time around. She talked about conversations and criticism about who was on the team, the starting lineup, the rotations, the minutes played.
“That’s what it’s become,” Reeve said. “And it’s made the seat I was sitting in a little more challenging and less rewarding. I think that’s a sad comment. I’m really confident that we can find our way and move forward.”
