Three-time Olympic athlete Michelle Plouffe has decided to end her retirement and rejoin Canada’s four-member squad for the upcoming FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series event in Bangkok, Thailand. The 33-year-old Plouffe will reunite with her twin sister Katherine Plouffe, alongside Cassandra Brown and Paige Crozon, in the competition set to kick off this Saturday.

Currently positioned 10th in the women’s series rankings, Canada is gearing up for the final phase of the regular season. Securing a spot among the top seven teams, alongside host China, is crucial for advancement to the women’s series final scheduled in Shanghai on September 5-6. The Bangkok tournament serves as one of Canada’s last chances to accumulate vital qualification points.

Steve Baur, the vice-president and general manager of Canada Basketball’s women’s high performance program, expressed the strategic decision behind Michelle Plouffe’s return, citing her valuable connection to the sport and the team. Having retired on July 28, 2025, to transition into the role of Canada Basketball’s 3×3 performance manager, Michelle Plouffe brings a wealth of experience from leading Canada to numerous FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series victories, a silver medal at the 2022 FIBA 3×3 World Cup, and a commendable fourth-place finish at the Paris Olympics. Her re-entry into competitive play at this crucial juncture aims to bolster the team’s performance while providing her with a chance to reignite her passion for the game.