Sports were an integral part of my childhood in Humboldt, Saskatchewan, a small, tight-knit community. I grew up playing street basketball at the local court with my friends and now I will have the opportunity to do the same thing, but on a bigger stage.
In May 2024 in Hungary, Kacie Bosch, Katherine and Michelle Plouffe and I defeated the home team in a match we absolutely had to win. We made history by becoming the first Canadian 3×3 basketball team to qualify for the Olympic Games. It’s a dream come true.
Throughout our journey, the support of donors has made it possible to put in place winning conditions, to eliminate obstacles and to make the practice of our sport possible. This is priceless.
In 2018, after the birth of my daughter Poppy, I decided to retire from five-on-five basketball and around the same time, Katherine and Michelle did the same. The moment the IOC announced that 3×3 basketball would make its Olympic debut at Tokyo 2020, we seized our chance. Our dream of participating in the Olympic Games and representing Canada in 3×3 basketball was within reach.
We formed a team and immediately there was chemistry between us. We spent the summer of 2019 traveling the world, competing in a series of tournaments and earning ranking points. We paid our own way, organized our own travel and finished the season ranked 18th in the world. A bizarre FIBA rule prevented us from participating in the Olympic qualifiers for the Tokyo 2020 Games, but we had an incredible summer and didn’t give up hope. We knew it was not viable for us to continue to self-fund our Olympic dream.
As the sport became established, Canada Basketball offered support and, on a personal level, I received one of the Canadian Olympic Foundation’s Murphy Family Awards in 2023. As a single parent, I work two full-time jobs to keep playing and keep a roof over our heads. Receiving direct funding allowed me to continue participating in competitions.
Today, I am very proud to represent Canada as part of the women’s 3×3 basketball team at the Olympic Games. 3×3 basketball gives us great sensations. It’s fun and fast. 10-minute matches take place on a half-court. Both teams attack and defend the same basket. With the intensity on the field and the DJ set up on the sidelines, the atmosphere is electric and the fact that the facilities are smaller provides a more intimate experience for fans.
What I like most about 3×3 basketball is that everyone can play. All you need to do is gather a few friends, a basketball and head to your neighborhood court.
Interest in 3×3 basketball aligns with the growing popularity of women’s basketball in general. I am so proud to be part of this evolution. It’s incredible to see so many fans get involved, enthusiastic about basketball and support women’s sports.
We are happy to have qualified for the Paris 2024 Games. When we arrive in France this summer, we will be in great shape and ready to take on the world.
Sincerely,
Paige Crozon
Basketball
Team Canada — Women’s National 3×3 Basketball Team
