Canadian 3×3 pioneer Michelle Plouffe leaves behind basketball legacy greater than gold
Michelle Plouffe’s impact on Canadian basketball goes far beyond her impressive Olympic career. While she may not have secured a gold medal, her legacy is one of resilience, determination, and a commitment to building something truly special.
After representing Team Canada in three Olympic Games, Plouffe has transitioned into a new role as the high performance director for Canada Basketball’s 3×3 program. This move allows her to continue working with the sport she loves while overseeing the growth and development of a program she helped create from scratch.
“I felt like it was time to close one chapter and move onto the next phase of my career,” Plouffe shared. “The opportunity to work with the 3×3 program and build on the foundation we’ve laid was too good to pass up. It just felt like the right time.”
Plouffe’s journey with 3×3 basketball began alongside her sister Katherine Plouffe and teammate Paige Crozon. Together, they set out to qualify Canada for the Olympics, a lofty goal that required dedication, hard work, and a willingness to fund their own journey. Despite the challenges, the team continued to improve and eventually found success on the world stage.
Their hard work paid off with multiple World Series titles, World Cup medals, and a historic fourth-place finish at the Paris Olympics in 2024. While they may have fallen short of a medal, the team’s camaraderie and commitment to excellence never wavered.
Now, as the high performance director for Canada’s 3×3 program, Plouffe is focused on giving back to the game and helping the next generation of players succeed. She believes that 3×3 basketball offers a unique opportunity for players to be creative, grow, and experience high-performance competition in a fun and unpredictable setting.
Looking ahead, Plouffe is determined to elevate the profile of 3×3 basketball in Canada and continue to push for that elusive Olympic medal. Whether it comes in Los Angeles 2028 or beyond, there’s no doubt that Plouffe’s influence and dedication will play a significant role in the program’s success.
As she embarks on this new chapter of her career, Michelle Plouffe’s impact on Canadian basketball is undeniable. Her legacy as a trailblazer, leader, and advocate for the sport will continue to inspire players and fans alike for years to come.
