As the Minnesota Lynx prepare for the 2025 WNBA season, all eyes are on key players like Bridget Carleton to elevate their performance. Carleton, a 6-foot-2 forward from Canada, has been a vital part of the Lynx since joining the team in 2019 after being waived by the Connecticut Sun. Despite a tough loss to the Chicago Sky on May 6, Carleton is focused on improving and delivering a stronger effort in the team’s next preseason matchup.

In the 74-69 loss to the Sky, Carleton only managed eight points. Alanna Smith led the team with 10 points, but Carleton, known for her versatile playstyle, is determined to bounce back as the Lynx face Chicago again at Target Center in Minneapolis on May 10.

Carleton’s journey in the WNBA has been one of steady growth. After being drafted 21st overall by the Connecticut Sun in 2019, Carleton’s career took off when she signed a seven-day contract with the Lynx in August of that same year. Last season, her playing time nearly doubled, increasing from 15 minutes per game in 2023 to almost 30 minutes per game in 2024. She also saw a significant increase in her scoring, improving from 3.2 points per game to 9.6 points per game, which earned her a spot in the conversation for the WNBA’s Most Improved Player Award. Carleton ultimately finished third in the race for the prestigious honor.

With Coach Cheryl Reeve’s continued faith in Carleton’s abilities, the Lynx, a four-time WNBA champion team, are hoping for a solid preseason performance as they prepare for a competitive regular season. The Minnesota Lynx will look to Carleton, alongside teammates like Angel Reese and Hailey Van Lith, to give their best as they aim for a victory in the highly anticipated matchup against the Chicago Sky.