THE UNIVERSITY OF SASKATCHEWAN’S MAIN CAMPUS IS SITUATED ON TREATY 6 TERRITORY AND THE HOMELAND OF THE MÉTIS.
THE UNIVERSITY OF SASKATCHEWAN’S MAIN CAMPUS IS SITUATED ON TREATY 6 TERRITORY AND THE HOMELAND OF THE MÉTIS.
Hundreds unite to celebrate women in sport, raising over $100,000 for Huskie women’s teams.
On February 11, over 700 attendees gathered for a sold-out breakfast in support of Huskie women athletes. In only its second year, this year’s Women of Influence Breakfast raised over $100,000 to support women’s Huskie teams, marking another milestone in fostering athletic opportunities for women at the University of Saskatchewan.
Dozens of businesses and organizations attended, including title sponsor, TD Bank and legacy sponsor, Graham Construction. University President Peter Stoicheff and representatives from various USask departments, such as the Edwards School of Business and the College of Engineering were present, showcasing the widespread community support for women in sport.
The energy in the room was electric, with local DJ Dev Daddy mixing tunes in the background. Each guest found a handwritten Valentine at their seat, penned by a Huskie athlete from one of the seven women’s teams, expressing gratitude and sharing their personal stories.
The event was hosted by public speaking coach and broadcaster Heather Morrison, who introduced a lineup of remarkable women.
The keynote speaker, Paige Crozon, a Humboldt native and member of Canada’s National 3×3 women’s basketball team, captivated the audience with her story. Fresh off competing at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where Team Canada finished fourth, Crozon shared her journey from childhood dreams to professional achievement. Shortly after the Olympics, she played in Saskatoon at the inaugural YXE Urban Games, where her team won the tournament.
Crozon spoke candidly about the challenges of being a single mother to her daughter, Poppy. She described the initial shame she felt but explained how, through reflection and conversations with Indigenous leaders, she learned to embrace motherhood as a source of strength. Poppy, she realized, was not a limitation but a testament to her resilience and something to be immensely proud of.
From a young age, Crozon dreamed of reaching the highest levels of basketball. She shared a childhood vision board she had made, tucked away in her family home, featuring the Olympic rings and a basketball—symbols of the goals she would one day achieve.
However, her journey took an unexpected turn. She never envisioned herself playing 3×3 basketball at the national level. It all started with a phone call from her now-teammates, who asked if she had ever considered the sport and mentioned they were looking for another player. Crozon seized the opportunity, and the rest is history.
Although many Canadians celebrated Team Canada’s fourth-place finish in Paris, Crozon admitted to feeling disappointed, having come within mere points and seconds of a medal. However, her perspective shifted after the game when Poppy excitedly told her how proud she was, not even realizing her mother’s team had just lost. At that moment, Crozon realized that the true value of sport extended beyond winning.
Beyond the court, Crozon remains deeply involved in the Saskatchewan community. She serves as the manager of the Living Skies Indigenous Basketball League, which welcomes youth aged 11-17, focusing on Indigenous athletes in the spirit of reconciliation. The league not only fosters basketball skills but also provides workshops on resilience, mental health, and nutrition, reinforcing the role of sport in holistic development.
Crozon’s dedication to athletics, leadership and community embodies the strength of Saskatchewan women and undoubtedly inspired many in attendance.
Throughout the morning, video features highlighted the stories of Huskie women athletes, filmed and edited by Nicole Braun. Taryn Hannah (volleyball), Sarah Schwab (track and field), Gage Grassick (basketball), Caitlin Clatney (wrestling), Sara Kendall (hockey), Anna Oliver (soccer), and Abby Wolff (wrestling) shared their experiences and aspirations, reinforcing the importance of events like this in sustaining their athletic journeys.
Jane Graham, a USask alumna and former Huskie athlete, was also honoured. Alongside her husband Ron Graham, they are the university’s most generous cumulative donors, having contributed millions towards major athletic and academic initiatives. The couple’s donations have funded key projects, including the basketball practice facility at Merlis Belsher Place, the Ron & Jane Graham Sport Science and Health Centre, and the Ron & Jane Graham School of Professional Development.
Graham received a standing ovation after accepting flowers on stage, a testament to the impact she has had on the Huskie athletic community.
The morning’s celebration continued with Lisa Thomaidis, head coach of the Huskie women’s basketball team, being recognized for becoming the coach with the most wins in Canada West women’s basketball history. Alongside her on stage were the other head coaches of the Huskie Women’s team, notably all of them being men, demonstrating that work still needs to be done to provide more opportunities for women.
Several generous donations were also announced, further solidifying support for women’s sports. Joy Crawford, chair of the event’s organizing board, pledged $10,000, while Deb Wiegers of Wiegers Financial made a transformational $36,000 donation, demonstrating the commitment of community leaders to fueling the future of women athletes.
Shannon Chinn, Chief Athletics Officer, played a key role in the event, presenting many of the awards and closing out the morning with inspiring remarks. Additionally, Michelle Dezell, Athlete Compliance Officer, provided crucial behind-the-scenes support, helping student-athletes prepare for the event and ensuring the morning ran smoothly.
Fuel Her Fire
The Women of Influence Breakfast was more than just a fundraising event—it was a celebration of resilience, leadership, and the power of community. From young athletes to seasoned professionals, every woman in the room was a testament to the strength of women’s sports. Paige Crozon’s journey, the achievements of Huskie athletes, and the overwhelming support from donors and attendees all embodied the message: See her. Be her.With each donation, each story shared, and each athlete supported, the Huskie community continues to fuel her fire—igniting passion, perseverance, and the future of women’s athletics for years to come.
