WNBA Player Yvonne Ejim Shares Her First Impressions of Spain and the Growth of Canadian Women’s Basketball

WNBA player and Canadian international Yvonne Ejim, now competing with Club Deportivo Ibaeta de Baloncesto de San Sebastián (IDK Euskotren) in Spain’s Liga Femenina Endesa, shared her first impressions of life and basketball in Spain.

Speaking from Valencia, Ejim expressed how quickly she’s felt at home in her new environment, noting the cultural energy and similarities she finds between Canada and Spain. The former Gonzaga University standout reflected on the differences between college basketball and the professional game overseas, emphasizing that “college can never really replicate the level and style of play in Spain.”

Ejim also highlighted her pride in representing Team Canada this past summer in Chile, describing the competition as “cutthroat and super exciting.” She remains closely connected with fellow Canadians in the Spanish league, including Kayla and other national teammates, and plans to support them whenever possible.

Beyond her own journey, Ejim underlined the steady growth of women’s basketball in Canada, driven by new opportunities, professional teams like the Toronto Raptors and Toronto Tempo, and greater visibility for young athletes across the country.

Questions Asked:

Clip 1:

1. How have you been in Spain so far?
2. What are the main similarities between Canada and Valencia?
3. Is there a big difference between Gonzaga University and the level here in Spain?
4. How was your experience representing Canada this summer in Chile?

Clip 2:

1. Have you managed to talk to any of your fellow Canadians in the Spanish league?
2. Have you shared any words with Kayla today?
3. How do you think Canadian women’s basketball is growing in Canada?