Carson Branstine was one of very few Canadians not rooting for the Toronto Blue Jays in this year’s World Series. In her defence, she had a good reason not to. Her cousin, Freddie Freeman, is the Los Angeles Dodgers’ all-star first baseman.
But an American sports team allegiance nor the fact that both live south of the border as American citizens certainly doesn’t change how they feel about Canada and representing the maple leaf in tennis and in baseball.
Branstine shared a powerful social media post upon being named to Team Canada for the first time for this weekend’s Billie Jean King Cup Play-Offs in Monterrey, Mexico. The 24-year-old was born and raised in California and currently calls Los Angeles home but is a Canadian at heart. In 2017, she made the decision to represent the country that many of her family members have called home and the one that has been constant presence in her life through stories from her grandfather and photos everywhere in her house. She joined Tennis Canada’s National Tennis Centre (NTC) in Montreal. Now, she has the honour of wearing the red and white in tennis’ most prestigious international competition.
“To be playing for Canada in a team event is something I have been looking forward to my whole life”, Branstine said during media day in Monterrey. “It’s really special, I get to play alongside girls and coaches that I love to death and that makes it even more of a great experience.”
Freeman speaks similarly about representing Canada. His choice was inspired by his mother, Rosemary, who passed away from skin cancer when he was a young boy. She was a Canadian through and through and her pride had a significant impact on him. This is one of the best ways he can honour her.
“Putting on a Canada uniform and honouring my mother is probably going to be one of the most meaningful things I will ever do”, Freeman told TSN.
Not only have Branstine and Freeman embraced the maple leaf, but their fellow Canadians have also welcomed them with open arms and what feels to them like a big, warm hug.
“I love being Canadian, so does Freddie (Freeman). Something that we both mutually love about Canada is that no matter what kind of success you have, the fans really support who you are, and they follow your journey very closely,” Branstine explained. “That alone is something priceless to have when you’re representing something bigger than yourself.”
Branstine is going to make a lot of people proud when she and her teammates step on the court for the first time and they stand together for the playing of their national anthem. It’s a moment she won’t soon forget.
CLICK HERE for everything you need to know about the 2025 Billie Jean King Cup Play-Offs.
Feature photo by: Pascal Ratthé
