Piper Ingalls of Moose Jaw was recognized as one of the most outstanding women of 2023 at Brandon University, as part of International Women’s Day, which was on Wednesday.  

Ingalls, who is 21 years old, joins 23 other women from the university to be nominated.  

“It feels really good. I was raised by really strong women, and they are really proud of me, and it just feels good,” says Ingalls. 

She adds that she wasn’t expecting to be nominated or even recognized for such an achievement.  

“I showed some of my friends the email I got, and they all said that this is a huge deal. I had to read the email a couple of times; I was pretty shocked. My friends are all proud of me.” 

This year’s theme for International Women’s Day was “Embrace Equity”. For Ingalls, she will embrace equity by working to destigmatize disabilities.  

“I struggled with ADHD and opening up about that and being able to talk about it with people who are going through the same thing and getting them to open up because lots of people hide it. I feel that is not the best way to deal with it.” 

Throughout her life and at the university, Ingalls has surrounded herself with strong women, who have shaped her into who she is today. The biggest role model in her life is her mother.  

“She’s really important to me and she’s the strongest woman I know.” 

The 21-year-old Moose Jaw product, graduated from A.E. Peacock in 2019 and is in her fourth year at Brandon University in Manitoba.  

Ingalls grew up playing hockey, box lacrosse, and basketball but ultimately decided to stick with basketball in grade 10. Now in Brandon, she is a guard for the Brandon University Bobcats. 

Her plan moving forward is to use up her five years of university eligibility and then continue her playing career overseas.  

She is currently working towards getting her Bachelor of Physical Education and Recreation.  

“Sports have always made sense to me. It’s something where I can feel open when I’m playing and a place where I’ve always felt comfortable in my life.” 

She wants to use her degree to help underprivileged female youth through sports like hockey, lacrosse, basketball, and more.

One of the nominator's comments for Ingalls wrote: 

“Piper has been a bubbly, positive human being that exemplifies what it means to be Bobcat Student-Athlete. She is dedicated to her studies, team and community. She leads by example in prioritizing her academics and commitment to working hard to overcome personal obstacles both in the classroom and on the court.” 

You can find Ingalls's full nomination write-up HERE, along with all the other nominees.