Quebec’s Only FIBA 3×3 Referee: MP Houle Making History
- Jan 21
- 2 min read
In the world of basketball officiating, some stories remind us why we fell in love with the game in the first place. The story of MP Houle is one of those stories.
Though she is not officially part of our association, her journey matters deeply to us—because she is unmistakably part of the Quebec family of officials. From Trois-Rivières, MP has built her path with quiet determination, resilience, and an unwavering love for the game.
A U Sports official who has worked the National Championship, MP never stopped pushing herself to grow. In 2022, that dedication paid off when she earned her FIBA 3×3 licence—becoming the only FIBA-certified 3×3 referee in Quebec and one of just four in all of Canada.
That achievement opened the door to an entirely new chapter. Since then, her whistle has echoed across courts far beyond Quebec—through cities in Canada and the United States, and onto the international stage in Chile, Azerbaijan, France, Mexico, Germany, and China.
Most recently, she returned from the FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup in Xiong’an, China—one of the sport’s premier global tournaments for young talent. Held from September 17-21, this championship brought together 20 men’s and 20 women’s national teams of players under age 23 to compete at the highest level in the fast-paced, dynamic 3×3 format.
What makes MP’s story truly remarkable is not just where she has gone, but who she is while doing it. Alongside this international officiating career, she is a first-grade teacher, shaping young minds every day. She is also a mother of three, balancing family, classroom, travel, and high-level sport with grace and humility. Her achievements are the result of hard work, sacrifice, and an unshakable belief that passion and commitment can coexist with real life.
As 3×3 basketball continues to grow in Quebec—and as events like the U23 World Cup spotlight the next generation of players and officials—we hope MP Houle’s journey lights the way for younger officials. Her story shows that learning the 3×3 game and pursuing specialized certification can open doors they never imagined, and that excellence is built step by step.
On behalf of MMBRA, we tip our hat to the enormous success of a fellow official. MP Houle’s story reminds us that when one of us rises, the entire officiating community rises with them.
