Canada Day 2012 will always be a special date for us at Canada Basketball:  that’s the day our Senior Women’s National Team secured a berth at the London Olympic Games. This series of Q&A’s with our national team players helps you get to know the inspiring women who are part of that team that will represent Canada proudly in London.  

Hometown: Edmonton, Alberta

High School: National Elite Development Academy

University: University of Utah

Years with Canada Basketball: 4

Games with Canada Basketball: 31

Canada Basketball - What is your favorite Olympic memory?

Michelle Plouffe - While not exactly a memory, one of my favorite parts of the Olympics is when all the athletes walked into the opening ceremonies. It was always so cool to see all the countries that are represented and all the athletes get recognized in front of millions of people around the world.

CB - Which team are you most looking forward to playing against in London?

MP - I am most excited to play France (again). Although we have played them quite a few times in the last couple years, I think that we know them extremely well

now and can beat them when it comes down to it.

CB - What do you think the biggest challenge will be for you and the team at these games?

MP - I think because it is the first Olympics for almost everyone it might be hard to not get distracted by everything that is going on because it is one of the biggest events in the world!

CB - Do you have any pregame rituals? What are they?

MP - On the bus ride over and in the locker room I listen to music.  Definitely on my pregame playlist is Jay Z and Kanye's - Watch the Throne and then Drake is always a go-to as well.  In my head I go through our offense and every play that we might run in the game.

CB - Who is the teammate that you are most excited to see take the floor for the first Olympic game?  Why?

MP - I am so excited to see Teresa and Kim take the floor. They are the hardest working, most resilient people I know and it has been a long journey and a battle to finally get here.

CB - What advice would you give to young athletes who are pursuing an Olympic dream?

MP - I can honestly say that all the extra time you put in, all the shots you put up, all the workouts you do when no one is watching and no one is there to push you but you, is so worth it. And if someone tells you you're not good enough or you get cut from a team, use that as motivation to get better. It worked for me!

CB - Tell us something special or unique about yourself that we might not know.

MP - Although I am a candy lover (my favorites are Twizzlers, Fuzzy Peaches and Swedish Berries) ... I HATE chocolate! All forms, all sizes, all kinds!  

To read other, "Getting to Know Our Olympians," click the athletes names below:

Teresa Gabriele
Natalie Achonwa
Alisha Tatham
Tamara Tatham
Chelsea Aubry
Kim Smith
Shona Thorburn
Lizanne Murphy
Miranda Ayim
Courtnay Pilypaitis
Krista Phillips  

Below is the Canadian preliminary schedule, with the broadcast information.

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