TORONTO (Canada) – Things won’t feel quite the same for Canada as they chase down a third consecutive FIBA Women’s AmeriCup title, after Katherine and Michelle Plouffe called time on their national team careers, along with Nirra Fields.

With a combined return of well over 1,000 points and almost 200 games, the Edmonton twins have been at the heart of what has been an evolutionary era for Canadian basketball – an era that included two Olympic Games appearances and participation at a string of FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup events. Those came off the back of outings going right back to their youth days and the FIBA U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup to.

 “It has been an absolute blessing to share my time on Team Canada with Katherine,” said Michelle.

“I know it was hard for her to watch me in London, but to see her growth and her journey has been inspiring. For me to get to play in the Rio Olympics with my best friend was an absolute dream.”

Meanwhile Katherine stated: “She’s been a role model for me in her work ethic and her toughness and I am just her biggest fan. Playing together and traveling the world with Team Canada have been some great, great memories for me.

“Michelle has been such a huge part of Team Canada her entire career playing for our country. Her leadership is so valuable. Her work ethic is unwavering. Every practice she plays to win. Every drill, every play, no reps off.”

There was also a resounding tribute paid to their service by Canada head coach, Lisa Thomaidis who commented: “Michelle and Katherine are two of the most impressive individuals I’ve had the privilege of coaching.

“Twin sisters competing at the pinnacle of their sport as teammates, is something that is truly amazing. The combination of their skill, athleticism, length and most importantly, character has been a recipe for success in all aspects of their lives.

“Both Michelle and Katherine have left their mark on our team by showing all who have been in contact with them, that being ultra-competitive and amazing teammates are not mutually exclusive. Our team values having high-character people on our team, and Michelle and Katherine are terrific examples of that,” she added.

The twins are now turning their attention to 3x3 basketball, which will be making its Olympic debut at the 2020 Tokyo Games.

There is also a changing of the guard with playmaker Nirra Fields also opting to hang up her Canada national team jersey too. After a decade of wearing her nation’s colors, she is passing the baton and hoping she has left valuable lessons that her successors can follow.

She commented: “I hope the example that I’ve set with the Senior Women’s National Team is having a mindset of growth and doing the little things that create incremental improvement,” said Fields, a veteran of 102 international games, including 76 with the Senior Women’s National Team.

“My first year trying out for the team I got cut and I didn’t want to go back. I came back the next year made the team. However, I didn’t get a lot of minutes. I went from sitting the bench to being MVP of FIBA Americas and helping the team win gold,” continues Fields, who was named Most Valuable Player after leading Canada to a championship victory over host Argentina at the 2017 FIBA Women’s AmeriCup.

“The message that I want to share to those who follow in my footsteps is you get revered in the light for the things you do in the dark. Working overtime off the court and the constant thirst for improvement has always been something that helped me be successful on the court and in life.”

Coach Thomaidis added: “Ever since Nirra burst on the international scene with our U16 team, we knew that she was going to be something special. On the court, her talent is undeniable, but what I’m most proud of Nirra for is her work ethic, the time and effort she put into her game, as well as into her personal growth..

“Nirra’s stoic demeanour covered up a fierce competitor who was driven to be the best she could be. I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to get to know Nirra and coach her these last five years. I know that great things lie ahead for Nirra, and I can’t wait to see her write her next chapter.”

FIBA