Third-Place Game Highlights

MADISON, Wis. – Kendra Van Leeuwen, a sophomore on the Wisconsin women's basketball team, celebrated with Team Canada as it finished third in the 2017 FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup in Udine and Cividale del Friuli, Italy, on Sunday. It was the Canadians best ever finish in the world championship.

"Words can't describe the feeling of representing your country while playing the sport you love," said Van Leeuwen. "It was an incredible experience competing in the world championships and being able to medal for Canada.

"Playing at such a high level provided me with many new and challenging experiences that allowed me to grow as a player. Playing against the best in the world for my age group made me work harder and give everything I had when I was on the court."

Canada won Group C of the tournament with a 3-0 record. The Canadians defeated Korea 91-45, France 54-45, and Latvia 74-70 in group play. In the round of 16, Canada downed Mexico 64-43 before defeating China 68-65 in the quarterfinals. The Canadians lost to eventual champion Russia 65-41 in the semifinals. In the third-place game, Canada defeated Japan 67-60.

Van Leeuwen played in all seven games, averaging 13.4 minutes per game. She averaged 2.1 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game. 
"The support from my teammates on Team Canada, my family, and teammates and coaching staff from Wisconsin was amazing! I feel so lucky to have had this opportunity to play for Canada, win a bronze medal, and take part in history being made. "

A 5-10 guard, Van Leeuwen started all 31 games as a true freshman for the Badgers in 2016-17. The Brantford, Ontario, native averaged 4.0 points and 3.1 rebounds per game. She led the team with 102 assists on the year, averaging 3.3 helpers per game.

A three-time member of the Canadian Junior National Team, Van Leeuwen also represented Canada at the 2016 FIBA Americas U18 Women's Championship in Valdivia, Chile, winning a silver medal. She was also a member of the Canadian U17 national team in 2014 with the team placing sixth at the World Championships.