Biography:
June L. Courteau, a highly esteemed figure in the world of women’s basketball, has made significant contributions to the sport both on and off the court. With a career spanning over five decades, Courteau has consistently demonstrated her passion and commitment to the game.
Born in an era when women’s basketball was still in its infancy, Courteau faced numerous challenges in pursuing her love for the sport. However, her determination and talent propelled her to become one of the most respected officials in women’s basketball history.
Courteau’s journey as a basketball official began in 1968 and lasted until her retirement in 2011. During this time, she officiated 20 NCAA Division I championships and 12 Women’s Final Fours, including five national championship games. Her remarkable on-court career earned her the prestigious Naismith Women’s College Official of the Year award in 1989 and cemented her status as one of the best in the game.
Courteau’s impact extended beyond the college level. She also officiated Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) games from 1997 to 2011, officiating 13 championship finals games and two all-star games. Her expertise was also recognized internationally, as she officiated the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain, and the 1991 Pan American Games. She additionally officiated U.S. national team games for the International Basketball Federation from 1987 to 1998.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions to the sport, Courteau received the Jostens-Berenson Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013. Three years later, in 2016, she was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. These honors recognized not only Courteau’s skill as an official but also her profound impact on the game of women’s basketball as a whole.
After retiring from on-court officiating, Courteau continued to make a lasting impact on women’s basketball. She assumed the role of NCAA national coordinator of officiating in 2014, where she actively engaged with various stakeholders in the game, including the NCAA Women’s Basketball Rules Committee, Division I Women’s Basketball Committee, coaches, regional advisors, and officials. Courteau played a crucial role in striving for a free-flowing and up-tempo game while navigating numerous rules changes.
Courteau tirelessly advocated for humanizing game officials and ensuring their contributions were appreciated. By fostering a next generation of officials that could prosper in their roles, Courteau aimed to secure a bright future for women’s basketball officiating. She emphasized the importance of consistency and accuracy in officiating, promoting a more uniform understanding of the rules and achieving higher call accuracy across the country.
Motivated by her love for the game, Courteau’s dedication and tireless efforts have undoubtedly left an indelible mark on women’s basketball. Her unwavering commitment to the sport has inspired future generations of players, coaches, and officials to strive for excellence and embrace the opportunities available in women’s basketball.
Awards:
– Naismith Women’s College Official of the Year (1989)
– Jostens-Berenson Lifetime Achievement Award (2013)
– Inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame (2016)