June Courteau has been named the NCAA’s national coordinator of women’s basketball officiating, bringing more than 45 years of officiating experience to the position.
“I have had the unique opportunity to work closely and learn from the last three national coordinators and am thrilled to be provided this great opportunity,” said Courteau. “Maintaining the momentum created by Anucha Browne at the national office on both the rules and officiating fronts is job one. The stakeholders in our game, including the rules committee, coaches, coordinators of officials and the officials themselves must continue to be heard and have buy-in towards these decisions. We continue to strive for a free flowing and up-tempo game.”
Courteau replaces Debbie Williamson, who in August accepted the position of coordinator of women’s basketball officiating with the American Athletic Conference and Big East Conference.
A women’s basketball official from 1968 to 2011, Courteau participated in 20 NCAA Division I Championships and 12 Women’s Final Fours, including five national championship games, during her distinguished on-court career. In addition to her work in college sports, Courteau officiated Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) games from 1997 to 2011, working 13 championship finals games and two all-star games. She also officiated Olympic Games, Pan American Games and USA National Team games for the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) games from 1987 to 1998.
Since retiring from on-court officiating in 2011, Courteau has worked as an independent contractor for the NCAA, serving as a clinician at regional officiating clinics, as well as assisting with officiating training videos. She has also been assistant coordinator of technology and staff development for the Women’s Basketball Officiating Consortium, working with the eight conferences that make up the WBOC, interacting with coaches, officials, conference personnel and NCAA staff. Courteau has also been an observer, trainer and mentor of officials for the WNBA.
“June is the right person to continue the national emphasis on more consistent rules enforcement,” said Anucha Browne, NCAA vice president for women’s basketball championships. “We know June will continue to gain consensus between the major stakeholders in women’s basketball while building a more active regional advisor program, increasing accountability of Division I officials, creating a more comprehensive selection system as well as developing the next generation of officials.”
A Minnesota native, Courteau earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education, health, speech and theatre from Winona State University, followed by a Master of Arts degree in speech and communications from the University of Northern Iowa. She was certified as an educational administration specialist by Minnesota State Mankato.
“I am a teacher at heart and enjoy the challenge of teaching,” said Courteau. “Being national coordinator will provide an opportunity to teach our current and future officials while at the same time seeking ways to improve a great game. In the end, it’s always about the game.”
