Canada captured the FIBA Women’s Olympic Pre‑Qualifying Tournament in Guadalajara, Mexico, finishing the competition without a loss and earning a direct berth to the 2028 Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
The Canadian side, led by sophomore forward Agot Makeer of the South Carolina Gamecocks, dominated the field, defeating New Zealand 86‑71 in the semifinals and Mexico 83‑53 in the final.
Makeer’s breakout numbers
Makeer averaged 8.2 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.2 assists across the tournament, but her impact was far greater than the raw stats. In the semifinal against New Zealand she contributed 11 points, two rebounds and two assists, and a plus‑18 rating that helped swing momentum. The following day she poured in 13 points with three rebounds and three assists in the championship win over Mexico.
Her performance was highlighted by a debut in the 2024 U17 World Cup and a silver‑medal effort with Canada’s U19 squad in 2025, experiences that prepared her for the senior stage.
A youthful Canadian roster
Coach Nell Fortner, who previously guided USA Basketball to a 2000 Olympic gold, has overseen a deliberate transition toward younger talent. The team has begun replacing veterans such as Shay Coleman and Natalie Achonwa with emerging players like Makeer, Ayla McDowell and Joyce Edwards.
McDowell, another Gamecocks sophomore, contributed to Brazil’s senior national team at the FIBA South American Qualifier, where Brazil secured a bronze medal and a spot in the AmeriCup Tournament. The collective rise of these young athletes signals a new era for Canadian basketball.
The victory also underscores the importance of the Olympic Pre‑Qualifying Tournament, which serves countries that missed out on the 2024 World Cup in Berlin. For Canada, the win provides a clear pathway to the 2028 Olympics, eliminating the need to navigate additional qualifying rounds.
Makeer’s freshman season saw her post 7.3 points and 3.3 rebounds per game, but a breakout performance in the NCAA Tournament raised her profile. She averaged 14.0 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 2.3 steals while shooting 46.2% from three‑point range, earning All‑Region honors.
The upcoming months will see Canada prepare for the next cycle of international competition, with the team aiming to translate its early success into a strong showing at the 2028 Games.