From the Court to the Classroom: An Interview with Alumna Hélène Bibeau
From the Court to the Classroom: An interview with alumna Hélène Bibeau (B.Ed Kindergarten and Elementary Ed ‘13, M.Ed Educational Psychology ‘15). Originally from Saint-Bruno, Hélène's journey has taken her from dominating the basketball courts in Montreal to inspiring young minds in classrooms at Stamford American School in Hong Kong and across the world. From her early beginnings in basketball to representing Hong Kong in netball, Hélène’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and the pursuit of dreams. She shares how her global upbringing and athletic background have influenced her teaching style, making her the inspiring educator she is today:
What brought you to McGill?
Basketball brought me to McGill. I was playing basketball in CEGEP and exploring my university options. Many friends were aiming for the NCAA in the States, but I realized I wanted to stay in Quebec, and playing in the U.S. seemed intense.
When I visited McGill, I was originally drawn to the basketball team because of the players and coaches. I also thought a McGill degree, being globally recognized, would be helpful if I wanted to teach abroad one day. This consideration tipped the scales, but ultimately, the decision was 100% based on basketball.
How did you get involved in sports and where did that lead you?
Basketball was always in my family. My dad played basketball for Laval University. Growing up, I was involved in sports like gymnastics, ice skating, and dancing while my brother was playing basketball. When I was in sixth grade, after we had moved back from living abroad, some girls at school suggested I try out for the team because I was tall. I did, and the coach asked me to join. It wasn’t until my coach in elementary school encouraged me that I started playing. I ended up playing for 14 years, five of them at McGill. Actually, being a student athlete forces you to use your time wisely, which helps prevent procrastination.
At university, you’re allowed to play for five years. I completed my undergrad in Education in four years, and I wanted to play my fifth year, so I pursued a Master's of Education. During the second year of my Master’s, I wasn’t able to play, so I became the team manager. After finishing my Master’s, I moved to Victoria with my boyfriend at the time (now husband), and then we relocated to Hong Kong.
My husband, a rugby player, played for five years at McGill. Having lived in Hong Kong when he was younger, he wanted to return, and we moved back so he could play rugby for the Hong Kong Football Club. As his girlfriend, I automatically gained membership to the club.
I wanted to stay active, but there was no basketball at the club—only netball, so I joined. The first year was an intro, but by the second season, I was on the top team. Eventually, I qualified for the Hong Kong national team, and in 2018, I was one of 12 players selected for the Asian Championships. Although I spent most of the time on the bench, it was a great experience.
In 2020, the next tournament was postponed due to COVID, and I eventually decided to step back from playing at that level. Now, I play more socially, just showing up for games without training. I recently found several MVP trophies from the social leagues while cleaning my house!
You mentioned it was always your dream to teach abroad. What inspired you to pursue a degree in Education?
My dad’s job took us to three different countries during my elementary school years. I was born in December 1988, and by January, we were on a plane to Morocco, where we lived for two and a half years. After that, we moved to Uruguay, where I attended an American international school. I have clear memories from that time of wanting to be a teacher—I’d play teacher with my stuffed animals or my younger brother.
We also lived in Mexico for two years during my fourth and fifth grades. Those experiences solidified my desire to become a teacher and teach abroad. Later, when I met my husband at McGill, our shared backgrounds in living abroad brought us closer. Eventually, he asked if I wanted to move to Hong Kong, and I immediately agreed.
How has living around the world and experiencing different cultures influenced your teaching style?
The schools I’ve worked at in Hong Kong have mostly local students, with a small percentage of expats. There’s a strong focus on global citizenship and celebrating different cultures. My experiences abroad have made me more open-minded and appreciative of cultural diversity, which I try to bring into my teaching.
How do you think your athletic experience has influenced your teaching, and vice versa?
Towards the end of my degree, I had to create a professional portfolio. One of the pages compared sports and education. It highlighted values like discipline, teamwork, and the importance of preparation—all things I’ve carried from the court into the classroom.
In both teaching and sports, you’re constantly making decisions. On the basketball court, you’re making split-second decisions, and in the classroom, you’re always responding to questions and situations. My athletic background has helped me navigate the challenges of teaching.
What’s your favorite McGill memory?
For basketball, it’s winning the provincial championship. We won three times during my five years at McGill, but the first one was the most special because we had lost the previous two years.
As for my Education degree, I have fond memories of hanging out in the Education Building. I didn’t go to school to make friends since basketball took up most of my time, but I did maintain a close friendship with one person, Veronica. We did our undergrad and master's together and I’m proud to still call her my friend.
Here in Hong Kong, there’s a strong McGill alumni presence. My husband and I, along with his parents (also McGill grads), often attend McGill events. It’s always nice to see the McGill sign and meet other alumni, each with their own unique stories. It’s amazing to feel that connection so far from Montreal.
