Leveling the playing field

New Crestpoint Scholarship invests in the success of female student-athletes from equity-deserving groups.

Chiasson in action on the soccer field with the ball.

Posted: April 25, 2025

By: Emma Sutro

Megan Chiasson has always had a passion for soccer. Growing up, she knew she wanted to be on the field just like her older siblings.

“I was brought up in a community full of strong female athletes and looked up to my sisters who played the sport I love now,” she says. “From a young age, I exhibited a level of competitiveness that made me stand out on and off the field.”

That passion and competitiveness paid off for Chiasson. A fifth-year Faculty of Management student at �Ӱɵ��, she is the captain of the Tigers women’s soccer team. In addition to her leadership within the team, Chiasson has been recognized throughout her athletic career for her commitment to both her sport and her studies.

Chiasson has been named an Rookie of the Year and received AUS All-Star awards. She has also earned Tigers Women’s Soccer MVP honours and is a five-time Academic All-Canadian – a distinction for student-athletes who have an academic standing of 80 percent or higher. She attributes this success to not only her own strong work ethic but also to being a part of a supportive team.

“While my achievements are something I am very proud of and work toward every year, I believe it has been my experiences with those I share the field with that have made my time at Dalhousie the most rewarding,” she says. “I have been able to meet the most amazing women during my time as a Tiger and have come away with those who I now consider family.”

Increasing support and representation

This spring, Chiasson was selected as the inaugural recipient of the Crestpoint Scholarship in recognition of her excellence on and off the field. Established in 2024 by ., a Toronto-based commercial real estate investment firm, the scholarship aims to increase support for and representation among female student-athletes.

Lindsay Stiles, Crestpoint’s co-chief operating officer, says this investment in female student-athletes aligns with Crestpoint’s commitment to providing students with hands-on internships and experiential learning opportunities.

“The scholarship we created at Dal is an extension of [Crestpoint’s experiential learning opportunities], specifically focused on helping female athletes from racialized groups feel supported, recognized and encouraged to succeed in their academic, athletic, and career pursuits,” says Stiles.

The Crestpoint Scholarship is awarded annually to a student-athlete enrolled in a Faculty of Management program, with a focus on students who identify as female and as a member of an equity-deserving group.

“Crestpoint is committed to building strong and vibrant communities by supporting causes that are important to us,” Stiles adds. “We believe that investing in the younger generation will benefit the communities we operate in, our business, and the industry for years to come.”

Championing diversity

For Chiasson, receiving the Crestpoint Scholarship is more than a reward for all her hard work; it is a source of immense pride.

“Receiving this scholarship means the world to me and will contribute tremendously to my success,” she says. “I appreciate the support of Crestpoint and admire the goals they have for strengthening our communities by uplifting female athletes from racialized groups. I am proud to be a female athlete as well as to celebrate my Métis heritage and feel an overwhelming amount of gratitude knowing that this organization is proud to celebrate this as well.”

Stiles echoes Chiasson’s gratitude: “We are truly grateful for the opportunity to partner with Dal on this important initiative and thrilled to support Megan and her great success both on and off of the field.”

�Ӱɵ��