ACCORDING TO ESPN REPORT: The Plouffe Twins, Michelle and Katherine, Announce Multi-Million Dollar Endowment for Louisville Cardinals Women’s Basketball — Hall of Fame Legends Give Back to Their Alma Mater, Creating Lasting Opportunities……………
LOUISVILLE, KY — May 6, 2025
In a landmark moment for women’s college basketball, former stars and Hall of Fame legends Michelle and Katherine Plouffe have announced a multi-million dollar endowment to the University of Louisville’s women’s basketball program. The twin sisters, celebrated for their international success and collegiate dominance, are giving back to the institution where their legacy began.
The Plouffe Twins, both alumni of the Louisville Cardinals, revealed the transformative gift during a press conference at the KFC Yum! Center. Surrounded by former teammates, current players, and university officials, the twins expressed gratitude and excitement as they unveiled the “Plouffe Sisters Women’s Basketball Endowment Fund.”
“This program shaped us — as athletes, as leaders, and as women,” said Michelle Plouffe. “Now it’s our turn to ensure future generations have even greater opportunities.”
Valued at over $5 million, the endowment will directly support scholarships, player development, mental health resources, and leadership programming for the Cardinals women’s basketball team. It is the largest single donation in program history and positions Louisville as a trailblazer in empowering female student-athletes.
Katherine Plouffe emphasized the importance of sustainable impact. “We’re not just investing in players,” she said. “We’re investing in future coaches, CEOs, and changemakers. This is about long-term vision.”
University of Louisville Athletic Director Josh Heird called the gift “transformational,” praising the Plouffes for their commitment not only to excellence in sport but to equity and education.
“They have always been champions — on the court and off,” Heird said. “Their generosity is a testament to their character and will elevate Louisville women’s basketball for decades to come.”
Head Coach Jeff Walz, who coached the Plouffe sisters during their time at Louisville, grew emotional as he reflected on their journey from student-athletes to global role models.
“They’ve always had the heart of champions. Now, they’re passing that heart on to future generations,” Walz said.
The Plouffe twins enjoyed standout collegiate careers before launching successful professional and international careers, representing Canada at multiple Olympic Games and earning Hall of Fame honors in 2024.
With this historic endowment, Michelle and Katherine Plouffe have cemented their legacy not only in the record books but in the future of women’s sports.
— ESPN Newsroom
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