IRAPUATO, Mexico – Warriors Women's Basketball Head Coach Jessica Roque has added another medal to her national team resume, as Team Canada took home silver at the 2025 FIBA Under-16 Women's AmeriCup in Irapuato, Mexico. 

"I'm super proud of our group," said Roque. Team Canada was undefeated in the tournament until falling 85-59 to the United States in the gold medal game.  

The Americans are a powerhouse in the biennial tournament, winning eight of its nine iterations since it began in 2009, Canada has taken silver seven times, including at the past five tournaments. Canada's lone gold medal came a decade ago in 2015. 

"I hadn't worked with this age group in a while, I'm just super impressed with how they continue to show up and the potential that they showed." 

"I'm really excited to see where these kids end up in a couple of years, really excited for some of them that I predict will continue on with the national team, even for next year's worlds. The future is super bright," she added. 

This was Roque's second time on the bench with the national team, though she's also been involved with Canada Basketball in roles such as training camp coach or performance analyst in the past. 

"The biggest thing I've learned over the years is just how to stay the most present for these things, because they do happen really fast," she said. 

"We were joking all week long like 'man, I feel like I've been here for months,' and it's only been a couple of weeks. Time is really stretched and expedited at the same time when you're in those environments. And so, I just try to be the most present that I can and try to find the most value that I can, whatever the role it is that I'm playing." 

"It is different from my role as a head coach with Waterloo, but it's still basketball at the end of the day, right? So I just try to add value wherever I can and that's how I adapt." 

Canada breezed through the group stage, putting up big scores including a 107-15 victory over Panama. No, that's not a typo. 

Roque raved about the maturity her team showed on and off the court throughout the lead up to the tournament and into the games themselves. 

"I think back to when I was 16, I did not think the game or move in the game the way these kids are," she said. "The level of talent was really impressive, but then off the court, they're all just really well-behaved girls." 

There was another area where Roque was impressed, too. 

"I've never seen kids this massive." 

This under-16 team was loaded with six-footers, including 2010-born Sienna Morris, the youngest player on the team and the tallest at 6-6. Ashley Vande Ven (6-2) also stood out, earning an All-Tournament Second Team nod. 

It was 5-11 Avery Arije leading the way for Canada, however. She averaged 13.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 2.0 steals per game, propelling her to the All-Tournament First Team. 

"She's just an absolute monster at 16," said Roque. "The way she moves and can create for herself is really impressive." 

Roque also praised the Federación Mexicana de Basquetbol, who hosted their third consecutive FIBA Under-16 Women's AmeriCup. 

"I know how far their federation has come," she said. "The fan support that we had was great to see, and great to feel that atmosphere. I think that's important for athletes to experience that at an international level, especially since for a lot of them, this is their first exposure to international play."  

Canada along with the United States, Mexico, and Colombia, qualified for the 2026 FIBA Under-17 Women's Basketball World Cup, hosted in the Czech Republic in July of next year. 

While the coaching staff for that tournament has yet to be announced, Roque is leaving the door wide open.  

"It's always an honour to represent our country at the highest stage. So wherever that may take me, and in whatever capacity Canada Basketball sees fit, I'm happy to participate and go along." 

Even while wearing the red and white, Roque still has black and gold on her mind.  

"Whenever I take on these opportunities, it's always with the intent of bringing back to our program," she said. "I think the level of focus and expertise [it takes], and giving myself fresh new ideas for the year is why I always keep coming back." 

The 2025-2026 OUA basketball season is set to tip off in October, with the full regular season schedule coming soon.