Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Syla Swords

Discover the career path of Syla Swords, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Syla Swords is a Canadian college basketball standout playing for the Michigan Wolverines in the Big Ten Conference. Her outstanding performance led to freshman All-American and All-Big Ten recognition in 2025. She is also a member of the Canadian national team, having competed in the 2024 Olympics, demonstrating her skills on an international stage.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2022: Nike Tournament of Champions Title

In 2022, Syla Swords helped Long Island Lutheran to the Nike Tournament of Champions title.

2022: FIBA Under-17 Women's Basketball World Cup

In 2022, Syla Swords represented Canada at the FIBA Under-17 Women's Basketball World Cup, averaging 4.7 points, four rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game.

November 8, 2023: Signed NLI to Play College Basketball

On November 8, 2023, Syla Swords signed her National Letter of Intent (NLI) to play college basketball at the University of Michigan.

2023: NY State Federation Tournament of Champions

In 2023, Syla Swords lead the Crusaders to the 2023 Class AA New York State Federation Tournament of Champions championship, averaging 14.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.5 steals per game. She was also named to the World Team for the inaugural women's Nike Hoop Summit.

2023: Senior National Team Debut

In 2023, Syla Swords made her senior national team debut for Canada at the FIBA Women's AmeriCup and also represented Canada at the FIBA Under-19 Women's Basketball World Cup where she was named to the FIBA U19 World Cup All-Second Team.

July 2, 2024: Named to Canada's Olympic Roster

On July 2, 2024, Syla Swords was named to Canada's roster for the 2024 Summer Olympics; at 18 years old, she was the youngest basketball player to ever represent Canada at the Olympics.

November 4, 2024: Collegiate Debut

On November 4, 2024, Syla Swords made her collegiate debut for the Michigan Wolverines, recording a game-high 27 points and 12 rebounds in a loss to South Carolina.

November 11, 2024: Big Ten Conference Freshman of the Week

On November 11, 2024, Syla Swords was named the Big Ten Conference Freshman of the Week.

2024: Named to World Team

In 2024, Syla Swords was again named to the World Team for the Nike Hoop Summit.

2024: Olympian

In 2024, Syla Swords was an Olympian as a member of the Canadian national team.

2024: McDonald's All-American Girls Game

In 2024, Syla Swords was named to the McDonald's All-American Girls Game.

February 10, 2025: Third Big Ten Freshman of the Week

On February 10, 2025, Syla Swords earned her third Big Ten Freshman of the Week, averaging 17.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game.

April 2025: Invited to Kelsey Plum's Dawg Class

In April 2025, Syla Swords was invited to Kelsey Plum's Dawg Class, an Under Armour-sponsored camp to help top college athletes transition from collegiate to professional basketball.