TORONTO (June 24, 2025) — Seven members of Canada’s 3x3 and Senior Women’s National Teams brought their leadership beyond the court last year as part of the inaugural Women’s National Team Athlete Initiative Support Program

Created in 2024 through a partnership between Canada Basketball and MLSE Foundation, the program provides financial support to active national team athletes to deliver community-based youth basketball initiatives that prioritize access, empowerment, and engagement—particularly for girls and young women.

From clinics in Nova Scotia to skills training in Manitoba, each initiative reflected a shared belief that sport can serve as a powerful tool for building community and inspiring the next generation.

“MLSE Foundation is committed to changing the game and we recognize that girls — especially those from underserved communities — have been left on the sidelines. Through this meaningful partnership with Canada Basketball and their athletes, we are showcasing women who lead with purpose in sport," said said Kendra Kerr, director of charitable strategy and governance, MLSE Foundation. "Together, we’re creating more inclusive, empowered spaces where girls are not just participants, but leaders in the game and beyond. We are proud to support the work of each of these trailblazing women, and we look forward to the impact their representation will have for girls in basketball, across Canada because every youth deserves the opportunity to achieve their full potential.”

The first-year recipients — Kayla Alexander, Shay Colley, Paige Crozon, Nirra Fields, Laeticia Amihere, Katherine Plouffe, and Emily Potter—led grassroots initiatives across the country, using the platform to deliver inclusive, athlete-led programming rooted in community connection.

Alexander hosted an all-girls basketball camp in partnership with the Nav Bhatia Superfan Foundation at the Nav Bhatia courts in Malton, Ont., welcoming 100 girls in Grades 7–12 from across the GTA and Ontario. The camp aimed to address the drop-out rate among girls in sport by creating access and visibility into the basketball pathway. 

Alongside Alexander, fellow Olympian Sami Hill, Raptors sideline reporter Savannah Hamilton, and marketing expert Nicole Murphy led drills, games, and conversations. “We wanted to create a space where girls could see themselves in the game,” said Alexander.

Colley hosted Shay Day in her home province of Nova Scotia. Joined by Alexander, theyhosted 65 youth aged 6-15. The funding the camp received allowed these two Black female Olympains to connect with youth from the Maritimes and provide them with much needed basketball equipment.

Crozon delivered three community basketball camps in Saskatchewan and visited 22 schools across four provinces, reaching nearly 1,500 youth—primarily from rural, Indigenous, and underserved communities. The programming emphasized skill-building and mentorship, with more than 780 female youth impacted. 

The initiative also raised $15,000 for local organizations supporting youth facing barriers to access sport. “Through support from the Women’s National Team Initiative Support Program, we were able to run initiatives that created safe, empowering spaces where youth felt seen, celebrated, and capable of greatness—both on and off the court,” said Crozon.

Fields delivered a basketball clinic at Humber Lakeshore in Toronto, combining an on-court session with a confidence-building workshop, followed bya meal prepared by Top Chef Canada contestant Alex Fields.

The event welcomed 22 girls aged 9–13, with participants attending free of charge through scholarship support. “The funding allowed us to provide scholarships for girls to attend the clinic free of charge, removing financial barriers and enabling full participation,” said Fields.

Plouffe organized the Plouffe Hoops Camp in Edmonton, Alta., hosted at her former high school, Harry Ainlay. With reduced entry fees made possible by this grant, the camp tripled in attendance from previous years—welcoming 57 youth, including 40 girls aged 8–13. 

Plouffe Hoops was created to encourage young athletes in a positive, supportive environment. “We especially have a heart to create a positive environment for girls to come and learn, be challenged, and enjoy the sport with the hope that they'll continue to be active for life,” said Plouffe.

Potter welcomed 20 top female high school basketball players in Manitoba to the Emily Potter Elite Camp in her hometown of Winnipeg. The camp combined on-court workouts with off-court life skills and activities, including a cooking class, a mental performance workshop and creative activities. Potter also played host to 30+ girls aged 7-12 and their families to participate in a community event, who were able to connect with the high level local athletes and learn the skills of basketball.

“The funding is what made this camp possible. The Emily Potter Elite Camp relies on funding and sponsorship as it is entirely free to both the athletes selected for the camp and the young girls attending the community event,” said Potter.

The Women’s National Team Athlete Initiative Support Program is now entering its second year, where support will continue for selected eligible Senior athletes.

A new round of athlete-led initiatives will be announced soon, continuing the shared commitment to growing the game and supporting the next generation of players across Canada.

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About MLSE Foundation

MLSE Foundation is an organization built on the belief that sport has the power to change the world. With the support of the Toronto Argonauts, Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors and Toronto FC, we invest in programs, organizations and communities to empower the next generation to use sport to recognize and reach their potential. Since launching in December 2009, MLSE Foundation has invested more than $74 million into Ontario communities. We fight to provide equitable access to sport and opportunity on the playing field that leads to success and opportunity off the playing field. We know that by changing the game, we can change the future. 

Visit mlsefoundation.org for more information and follow @MLSEFoundation on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

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About Canada Basketball

Canada Basketball is the National Sporting Organization for the sport of Basketball in Canada. Canada Basketball is respected worldwide and is recognized by the International Amateur Basketball Federation (FIBA) and the Government of Canada as the sole governing body of amateur basketball in Canada. Canada Basketball, a not-for-profit organization, represents all basketball interests and provides leadership, coordination and direction in all basketball areas.