With the 2024-25 NCAA women’s basketball season currently underway, Canadian women are making their mark on the collegiate stage and displaying their talents across various programs.
From rising Canadian stars like Syla Swords and Toby Fournier to seasoned veterans like Lashae Dwyer and Yvonne Ejim, these players are not just contributing to their teams—they’re changing the landscape of NCAA basketball.
These standout players are just a handful of the extraordinary Canadian talent on display this season.
Syla Swords – University of Michigan Guard (Freshman)
The future of Michigan Wolverines basketball is Canadian-driven after Syla Swords turned heads during her season debut in November of last year, posting a stat line of 27 points, 12 rebounds, and 2 assists against top-ranked South Carolina Gamecocks.
The 6-foot-three guard from Sudbury has quickly adjusted to playing at the collegiate level due to her combination of athleticism and offensive instincts that allows her to play big minutes and lift up a Wolverines’ frontcourt that has had quite the struggle in a competitive Big Ten Conference.
In 21 games played this season, Swords averages the most minutes on the team with 30.5, the most rebounds with 6.2, and is second in scoring, averaging 15 points per game.
Swords, alongside freshman teammate Olivia Olson, aim to help lead Michigan on a deep March Madness run, looking to bounce back from their heartbreaking Elite Eight exit in 2022.
Cassandre Prosper – Notre Dame Fighting Irish Guard (Junior)
The success Notre Dame has had in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) over the past two seasons has been dominant and this season is no different.
The Fighting Irish have showcased their high-scoring guards this season, and Cassandre Prosper has been a major beneficiary of the team’s roster depth. She has continued to thrive in her role coming off the bench, averaging 25 minutes, 6.7 points, and 4.2 rebounds per game, while shooting a career-best 44% from the field. Most of her success comes from her ability to move the ball quickly down the court and her situational awareness when retrieving rebounds.
The 6-foot-2 guard from Montreal has never shied away from competition, from representing Team Canada at 16 years old to playing at the collegiate level, with aspirations of following her brother Oliver-Maxence Prosper of the Dallas Mavericks footsteps to the next level.
Toby Fournier – Duke Blue Devils Forward (Freshman)
Toronto-born Toby Fournier has taken her talent everywhere she goes, from playing at Crestwood Prep in high school to representing Team Canada in FIBA competitions, and now showcasing her skills for one of the most prestigious college basketball programs, the Duke Blue Devils.
As a versatile forward, Fournier excels not only in scoring but also in orchestrating the offense when she steps onto the court. Through 21 games this season, she leads the Blue Devils with an average of 12.6 points per game and ranks second in rebounds, pulling down 5.6 boards per game. In addition to her scoring prowess, Fournier has remained highly efficient, converting 53% of her field goals and demonstrating her ability to thrive at the collegiate level.
The Blue Devils currently sit in fourth in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and look to redeem themselves after a Sweet Sixteen exit in the national championship last season.
Lashae Dwyer – St. John’s Red Storm Guard (Senior)
After three seasons with the Miami Hurricanes, the now-senior at St. John’s is really making her presence known, starting in every game this season. The Toronto-born guard is averaging a career-high 12.9 points per game, along with career-leading averages of 4.1 rebounds and 2.5 assists.
Most players would struggle to handle the workload that Dwyer has taken on since transferring. However, with nearly 30 minutes played per game, she has proven to be a reliable force for her team, despite limited usage in her previous seasons. In addition, she has established herself as a defensive standout, averaging 2.9 steals per game, the most in the entire Big East Conference. Although St. John’s record of 13-9 might not be the prettiest, Dwyer has proven to be a standout guard in the NCAA.
Yvonne Ejim – Gonzaga Bulldogs Forward (Senior)
The notorious Gonzaga Bulldogs currently sit atop of the West Coast Conference (WCC) with a current record of 15-8, led by senior Yvonne Ejim, the Calgary-born forward leading her team into championship season.
Averaging 21.4 points and 8.8 rebounds per game, the 6-foot-one 2024 WCC Player of the Year is making a strong case for this year’s award, leading the entire conference in points, rebounds, and steals per game.
In addition to her high scoring, Ejim has been a consistent shooter all season, making over 55% of her field goals and 79% from the free-throw line. With the season nearly halfway through, she is on pace to post the best offensive stats of her collegiate career, while the Bulldogs aim to obtain the WCC championship title.
T’yana Todd – Boston College Eagles Guard (Junior)
T’yana Todd has been a vital contributor to the Eagles’ offense this season, doing what she does best—three-point shooting. T’yana Todd has been a vital contributor to the Eagles’ offence this season, doing what she does best—three-point shooting. The Vaughan-born guard averages 13.8 points per game this season, with an impressive 50% shooting from the three-point line and 88% from the free-throw line.
Known for her excellent court vision, she consistently finds space and gets into a shooting rhythm. This was on full display in January when she scored a career-high 29 points, including an 8-of-11 performance from three-point range, against the Miami Hurricanes.
