Plouffes set to pursue Olympic basketball dreams as teammates
Sisters set their sights on gold as basketball teammates in Rio
This will no doubt be the most memorable summer ever for twin sisters Michelle and Katherine Plouffe.
The dynamic duo who got their start on the basketball courts in Edmonton will get to experience ultimate basketball dream together at the 2016 Olympics together for the very first time as members of Canada’s national women’s team.
“I still can’t believe it,” said Katherine, who narrowly missed out on making Canada’s Olympic roster in 2012.
“Michelle got to go in 2012 and I went there to support her in the stands. I’m so thankful to be part of this team now and this program.”
Growing up in Edmonton, the twins were inseparable. You didn’t see one without the other, especially on the basketball court.
But the sisters also made it very clear, after they left the halls of Harry Ainlay high school, that they wanted to forge their own identities on the basketball court.
Over the past six years, they certainly have done that.
It started with Michelle going to the University of Utah and Katherine to Marquette. Michelle finished her NCAA career scoring 2,100 points and Katherine enjoyed a dominant four-year career with the Golden Eagles.
They just wrapped up their second season as pros playing in the same league in France, but for rival teams — Michelle plays for USO Mondeville and Katherine suits up for Nantes Reze.
Last season with USO Mondeville, Michelle averaged 13.5 points and 6.3 rebounds a game, while Katherine averaged 10.4 points and 7.4 rebounds. Both will be back with their respective clubs next season.
The only time they play together is during the summers for the Canadian national team — and it’s an experience they cherish. “We wanted to build our own identity on and off the court,” said Michelle.
“We were dominant when we played together in high school, but it’s cool to see each other develop individually over the years, and the success we’ve each been able to have on our own. It’s motivating for both of us.
“We still get to play together during the summers and that makes it more special.”
Having her sister join her in Canada’s quest for a medal in Rio makes Michelle’s second Olympic experience even more special this time around.
“I can’t wait to be on the court with her in the type of atmosphere that I was able to experience in London,” said Michelle.
“Not having her on the court with me (in London) was different. I was so happy when I saw her in the stands … I cried, because I know how bad she wanted to be there and she came all that way to support me.
“I know it was hard on her, but it was motivating for her to come watch, and improve, and to make the team this time around. I’m super proud of her, because we’re each other’s biggest fans.”
Together on Team Canada the past few years, the Plouffes have been able to achieve so much success for a program that’s showing that Canadian women are a force to be reckoned with on the international stage.
They took the gold medal at the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto, and last summer in front of their hometown fans, they booked their trip to the Rio Olympics with a dominant gold-medal performance at the 2015 FIBA Americas championship.
Katherine used her omission from the 2012 Olympic team as motivation to not just make the Olympic roster, but to be an impact player on the national team.
“It was very humbling back in 2012 to sit back in the stands. It made me realize I wasn’t ready for that,” she said.
“But to come back in 2014 and getting that chance to play at Worlds was amazing, because the coaches saw my game improve,” said Katherine.
Their experiences with Team Canada and in professional leagues in Europe have captured many memories for the Plouffes, but there’s room for so many more in the future.
Some they’ll experience separately, some together, and they like it that way.
“Time flew by … in a moment sometimes. It’s important to soak in these moments and be thankful for where we’ve been and what we’ve been able to accomplish,” said Katherine.
“It’s been an incredible journey so far and it’s just starting, really,” she added.