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
In a stunning act of generosity and commitment to the future of women’s sports, Michelle and Katherine Plouffe — twin basketball icons and Hall of Fame inductees — have announced a transformative multi-million dollar endowment to the University of Louisville’s women’s basketball program. The Plouffe twins, who both had storied collegiate careers with the Louisville Cardinals before rising to international prominence, made the announcement at a special press event hosted by ESPN.
The endowment, one of the largest in the history of Louisville women’s athletics, is designed to fund scholarships, training facilities, leadership development programs, and long-term athlete wellness initiatives. Titled the “Plouffe Legacy Endowment,” this initiative underscores the sisters’ deep-rooted passion for empowering young women through sport and education.
“This program shaped us — not just as athletes, but as people,” Michelle stated emotionally. “We want to make sure the next generation of Cardinals have even more opportunities than we did.” Katherine added, “Our gift is about building a legacy, not just honoring it. Louisville gave us a platform — now it’s time to elevate it for others.”
Both sisters earned accolades during their time at Louisville, leading the Cardinals to deep NCAA tournament runs and earning multiple All-American honors. After college, the twins went on to represent Canada on the global stage, becoming Olympians and champions in international leagues. Their contributions have cemented their status as trailblazers in women’s basketball.
Louisville Athletics Director Josh Heird praised the endowment as a “watershed moment” for the program. “The Plouffe twins have always been champions — on and off the court. This gift sets a new standard and ensures that our women’s basketball program remains among the nation’s elite for decades to come,” Heird said.
The Plouffe Legacy Endowment will also support outreach initiatives aimed at local high school athletes, particularly in underrepresented communities. It includes funding for mentorship programs, summer training camps, and partnerships with grassroots organizations that promote diversity and inclusion in sports.
Louisville head coach Jeff Walz called the gesture “humbling and inspiring.” “Michelle and Katherine were once young recruits walking through our doors with dreams in their eyes. Today, they return as legends and leaders. Their legacy will echo through every future championship, every scholarship, every young girl who believes she can achieve greatness.”
The response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. Social media lit up with praise and gratitude, while former teammates, coaches, and fans celebrated the Plouffe twins’ remarkable contribution. Many called it a defining moment in the history of Louisville athletics and a testament to the growing impact of women in sports philanthropy.
In an era where visibility and investment in women’s sports are gaining momentum, the Plouffe twins’ endowment stands as a powerful statement — a celebration of where they came from, and a promise of a brighter, more equitable future for those who follow.
