Carleton meets with Portland media

**A Choice Based on Value**

Her decision to sign with Portland was rooted in a desire to play where her contributions were not just useful, but essential. “I wanted to go somewhere where they wanted me, and Portland showed how much they wanted me here,” Carleton said, pointing to the fact that the team selected her first in the expansion draft. At nearly 29 years old, she views this transition as a definitive new chapter. “I’m ready just to take that next step… and show a little bit more of what I can do,” Carleton stated. This belief is shared by General Manager Rana, who has publicly challenged her to reach an All-Star level—a goal the forward has fully embraced. “She sees that in me, and I see it in myself,” Carleton said.

**The Analytical Approach and Chemistry**

Carleton’s excitement is further fueled by the tactical vision of Head Coach Alex, whose system favors the fluid, “read-and-react” style she mastered while playing internationally. “It’s not a lot of X’s and O’s,” Carleton said. “It’s just reading, reacting, driving, cutting, shooting threes. It’s all things I like to do, and high IQ players do well in that system.”

**Reviving a Legacy**

As she plays in her first game at the Moda Center on Sunday, Carleton is acutely aware that she is part of a larger movement to return professional women’s basketball to a city that has long championed the sport. “My first time in Portland, but I know, especially for women’s sports, the Thorns do so well and draw such a great crowd,” Carleton said. “Really big fans of women’s sports here, so I’m excited that the W is back here, and we have a piece in that. So I’m really excited. I feel the excitement on social media a little bit, but I’m excited to see it and feel it in person.” As the Fire have their second oreseason game Sunday, Carleton has a goal as “one of the best shooters in the league right now”: “I would like to be even better. So hopefully … All the three-pointers go in.”