Atlanta Dream Goalie Jordin Canada Makes Season Debut More Fashionable Than Ever — Andscape

Two-time WNBA champion Jordin Canada will make her season debut for the Atlanta Dream on Sunday against the New York Liberty after suffering a hand injury in late April.

Outside of a grueling recovery, Dream’s guard used this time to be strategic and show off her style.

Canada’s interest in fashion has evolved significantly as its game has developed on the field. She now selects her shoes first and builds her outfits based on them. Its footwear rotation for the side includes luxury brands like Louis Vuitton sneakers for style and Balenciaga Speed ​​knits for comfort. She aims to let her statement pieces speak for themselves, often choosing oversized jackets or printed pants to make her outfits pop.

The two-time WNBA All-Defensive Team selection is eager to contribute to her new team. After starting her career with the Seattle Storm and playing a season in her hometown of Los Angeles with the Sparks, she was traded (with the eighth pick in the 2024 draft) to the Dream in exchange for Aari McDonald and the 12th pick . Last season, Canada led the league with 2.3 steals per game, while averaging 13.3 points and six assists.

Canada found immediate success as the fifth overall pick in 2018, winning a championship with the Storm in his first season. Early in Canada, she learned directly from five-time Olympic gold medalist Sue Bird and became the Storm’s starting point guard the following year.

In 2020, Canada signed a sponsorship deal with Jordan Brand as part of “the next wave” of female athletes to represent the company on the hardwood. This relationship has allowed him to wear multiple models over the past few seasons, whether it’s the flagship model, UCLA-themed colorways for his alma mater, or even his own player exclusives to highlight the initiatives it supports.

And landscape caught up with Canada as the guard prepared for her first game in a Dream uniform.

The interview has been edited for length and clarity.

How has your dynamic with sneakers changed since you signed with Jordan?

I’ve always been versatile when it comes to sneakers. I was lucky enough to have a lot of Jordan sneakers, other sports brands, and luxury sneakers. Before signing with Jordan, there were times when I couldn’t get access to the sneakers I wanted. I’ve always been a big Jordan girl, and now getting them is super easy. I can get many exclusive sneakers that many people can’t afford and even get an extra pair for a friend or family member. It is a blessing to have this luxury because not everyone has the opportunity.

Growing up, what shoe was on your must-have list?

When I was younger, I wore Carmelo Anthony’s sneakers. I loved her retro shoes. When I got to high school, I still wore his shoes. My senior year we were sponsored by Jordan Brand and I wore Chris Paul’s PE a lot. These were the two I loved the most as a kid, but I wore Melos the most of the two. I had the opportunity to meet them both in passing at an event in Jordan.

When did you realize you really loved sneaker culture?

I became a sneakerhead during my senior year of high school. When I went to college, I started paying attention to different brands and styles and noticing what I liked and what I didn’t like. At that point, it took off. Nike, Adidas, whatever, just anything that had a different look and allowed me to express myself, I was sold. Jordan also has a lot of retro sneakers and I now love using my partnership with Jordan to delve into my style.

Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images

Jordin Canada of the Atlanta Dream watches the game against the Minnesota Lynx on May 26 at Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia.

Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images

Atlanta Dream goalie Jordin Canada smiles before the game against the Las Vegas Aces May 31 at Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia.

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Jordin Canada arrives at the arena before the game against the Indiana Fever on May 9 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images

Atlanta Dream guard Jordin Canada arrives at the arena before the game against the New York Liberty June 6 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta.

How do you decide whether to go for a classic look or follow current trends?

It’s about knowing what I feel comfortable in and how I want to express myself that day. I always start with the sneaker I want to wear that day. Then I decide if I want to dress it up or down. There will always be trends, but I like to dress according to how I feel and I try not to pay attention to any of them.

With more emphasis on photographing WNBA outfits, has that made you think more about your outfits?

Fashion and the W have recently been more exposed to freelance or team photographers. I think it’s great that people are invested in our fashion. Overall, as a league, people are starting to step up. It’s not just basketball players. They are all women in sport. We have a lot of attention on us and it’s really important to show our other side. Everyone did a great job showing off their different personalities, styles, and creativity in clothing and dressing.

Since you haven’t been able to play this season, how has the effort to suit up helped your mental state?

I am intentional about the styles and clothes I wear. When I sit on the bench, I focus on different statement pieces. My style has always been simple but with trendy pieces. I also like to be intentional with details. I always offer different looks. Over the past few months, with my gaming outfits, I’ve been trying out different styles while staying true to who I am. I also consider the scale of the game and whether it is a nationally televised game show. If it’s a national match, it’s more than likely I’ll be filmed. Naturally, you want to make sure you look great.

What other causes do you want to raise awareness for or what other stories do you want to tell through your EPs?

Last year I used my PE (Air Jordan 38) to show off my partnership with the Ronald McDonald House in Los Angeles, and I’m really excited about it. This year I want to show more of my personality, so for this year I looked into my spirit animal and zodiac sign. I am a Leo and I show it through my appearance on the field and as a leader. I wouldn’t say I’m fiery, but I’m very passionate about the way I play. I haven’t had a chance to wear them yet, but I will. Off the field, I’m like a dolphin. They are intelligent, caring, loving and helpful. Jordin off the field and Jordin on the field are opposites.