SOUTH BEND (FIBA World Championship for Women) - The arrival of Notre Dame stand-out Natalie Achonwa to the Canadian national team has coincided with a re-enforced winning mentality, something the player hopes will continue at the FIBA World Championship for Women next year.
It's a competition which Achonwa holds dear to her heart, having debuted as a teenager in the Czech Republic three years ago on a journey which has since taken in the thrill of an Olympic Games.
"Over the past four years, our team has entirely changed our mentality and approach to how we compete internationally," claimed Achonwa, who celebrated her 21st birthday last week.
"We are no longer going to tournaments to 'do our best' - we are going with the mind-set to win.
"The 2010 FIBA World Championship for Women was my first major tournament with the senior national team and I was young and inexperienced.
"This time around (in Turkey), I am hoping to help my team out more and be a contributing member to our success.
"I also believe that our 2014 team will be completely different from our 2010 team."
The player nicknamed 'Ace' went on: "The 2012 Olympics remains the highlight of my basketball career thus far.
"It was amazing to be able to represent and compete for my country in such a globally recognised event.
"From the games on the court, to the Olympic village, it was all a great opportunity to just soak up the environment and every experience."
Most recently, Achonwa posted some typically impressive displays at the FIBA Americas Championship for Women as Canada reached the Final in Xalapa and finished with silver.
Whilst gold would have been nice, Canada still took a step up from their run of bronze medals at the event, with Achonwa catching the eye with some impressive work, including a double-double in the Semi-Final match-up against Puerto Rico.
"This summer was another successful year for us," agreed the center.
"Once again, it allowed for me to represent my country and to showcase how Canada Basketball is continuing to grow and improve."
Achonwa has also matured throughout her distinguished NCAA career at Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana.
She will be signing off her stay with the Fighting Irish next summer and now in her senior year, it could barely have gone any better for Achonwa, who will always have a place in school history as the first player to play internationally at senior level.
"Being a student-athlete at the University of Notre Dame has taught me so much as a person and as a basketball player," said the Toronto native.
"My time here has been nothing but a blessing to my development and I wouldn't change any of it for the world.
"I have been to three Final Fours and two National Championship games.
"This year we are aiming for that National Championship ring!"
Stepping out in Turkey next year is likely to be a thrill for Achonwa, although she will have to juggle trying to prepare for another big tournament in what will be arguably the most significant year of her entire career as she looks to make a transition from college ball into the pro-game.
"Following my graduation from Notre Dame, I will be very busy trying to figure out my next step into 'real life'," she confirmed.
"Canada Basketball has been, and will continue to be, a big part of my life and basketball career.
"Every chance to put on a team Canada jersey is a blessing and I will take full advantage of the chance to represent my country in Turkey."
The FIBA World Championship for Women will take place in the cities of Ankara and Istanbul from 27 September to 5 October 2014.
