Black book
The Raptors’ Brittni Donaldson shares her slam-dunk spots
Like many college athletes, Brittni Donaldson’s dreams of a professional basketball career were dashed by an injury, but she is ecstatic to be able to work behind the scenes in the sport she loves so much. Last year, after a stint in the analytics department with the Raptors, Donaldson became an assistant coach for the Raptors 905 as one of the few women coaches in professional basketball.
“I find a lot of joy and fulfillment in giving back to my sport in a way that I know has an impact on others,” Donaldson says. “I want to serve; I want to help others navigate the highs and the lows of following something they are passionate about, and I want to have an impact on their development — both on and off the court. I love coaching these players because they are all so eager to get to the next level. They understand that if we succeed as a team, they will succeed individually.”
Keeping her team near the top of the rankings of the competitive G League is no easy feat. When Donaldson needs to chill, she turns to these Toronto favourites.
Coffee shop: “I stumbled upon Voodoo Child on College Street a couple of years ago and fell in love: such a cute and eclectic space with creative caffeinated drinks. Not to mention they turn into a wine and cocktail bar at night!”
Yoga studio: “I attend classes at Pure Yoga in Liberty Village religiously. The instructors are all incredible, and I love that they crank the music way up during classes so I can escape reality for an hour and just immerse myself in the vibes and the flow.”
Game-night delivery food: “I love pizza on game nights, and my favourite pizza delivery is North of Brooklyn on Queen St. Nothing beats a delicious thin-crust pie!”
Bakery: “I can’t tell you how many times over the past year I ordered a box of Craig’s Cookies during my time in self-isolation. Infusing cookies with candy and/or more cookies? Genius. I’m addicted.”
Guilty pleasure: “Chicken and waffles — and I haven’t found any better than at The Dirty Bird in Kensington Market. The chicken is so flavourful and the waffles are so fluffy!”
Walk: “My favourite neighbourhood to stroll through is Ossington. Pre-pandemic, I would start out with some light vinyl browsing and an espresso at Antikka, and if I want some more, I hit up Rotate This (about a 10-minute walk away). Eventually I find my way to Bang Bang Ice Cream and/or Bobbie Sue’s Mac + Cheese. Can’t forget to stop for a beer on the patio at Bellwoods Brewery. And some live music at the Dakota Tavern is an excellent nightcap.”