Cégep de Rimouski will not have a women’s basketball team for the 2026-2027 season. This was confirmed by the management of the establishment during a meeting with representatives of a group of 13 Select student-athletes from Paul-Hubert school who requested the relaunch of the program.
“We did not find the process accessible. As soon as we arrived, we knew that our request had been refused,” says Mathilde Beaulieu, who felt great disappointment following this meeting.
The group of young people requested the support of the management of the Cégep de Rimouski to plan the return of the women’s program within the Pioneers structure.
“They told us that since the new PEPS opened, they had to adapt and that it would take them a year to know what time slots would be available for us. They also explained that it would cost them $80,000,” adds the teenager.
Although they tried to find solutions, the representatives of the student-athlete group felt that the decision was irreversible.
“We explained to them that yes there are costs, but that we are ready to volunteer. They said they needed someone to take care of social media so all teams were equal. We suggested that someone do it voluntarily, but they did not accept. »
Leave the region
By requesting this team, the 16 and 17 year-old girls from Paul-Hubert wanted to begin their college studies in Rimouski while practicing their sport to avoid exile in large centers.
“I feel like they don’t really consider the sport. The Cégep de Rimouski only has 11 sports teams, that’s not a lot. I understand that they prioritize studies, but sport can be a big motivation for some young people,” expresses Mathilde Beaulieu.
An interest form identified that players from Amqui and Rivière-du-Loup wanted to join a Pionnières team in addition to 13 student-athletes from Rimouski.
There is no other collegiate basketball team in the area. Those who want to continue their career at this level will have to go and study outside.
“Several people will have to leave Rimouski to study elsewhere. I’m going to natural sciences to probably become a physiotherapist. I will have to think about whether I leave Rimouski for basketball. It’s a big decision. It’s boring because my course is given here,” concludes Mathilde Beaulieu.
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