Celebrating our women in sport - Profiles

To celebrate National Women in Sport Day, the Winnipeg Sea Bears are highlighting some of the incredible women who lead and inspire in the world of sport every day. The women of the Sea Bears front office play leading roles in both the organization and their communities, helping more girls stay in sport and reach their goals.

Megan Noonan

Megan Noonan, the Sea Bears’ Director of Basketball Operations, is a alumni of the Winnipeg Wesmen basketball team. The sharp-shooting guard is still among the leaders in career three-pointers for Canada West. Noonan has broken through glass ceilings already in her short time in the professional sporting world, becoming one of just a few women to hold a similar title in the CEBL. Noonan is passionate about keeping girls in sport, which she does through coaching the girls’ U-15 Evolve Basketball program. She is also a member of Mini Ballers, helping young kids develop movement fundamentals and a love for the game.

Stef Lasuik

Stef Lasuik, the Sea Bears’ Director of Marketing & Communications, has worked to amplify women’s profile in sports from a marketing perspective for several years. The former high-level golfer and hockey player is also one of few women to earn a similar title in the league. In addition to leading golf camps for women and youth, Lasuik volunteers her time assistant coaching for the Churchill Bulldogs girls high school hockey team. In her role overseeing Sea Bears offseason initiatives, she pushes equal opportunity and coverage for women and men in the team’s partnerships. 

Mia Hildebrandt

Mia Hildebrandt, the Sea Bears’ Manager, Marketing & Community Engagement, is an alumni of the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology and Durham College, where she played collegiate volleyball. The OCAA all-star continues to give back to girls aspiring to walk in her footprints through volunteer coaching with Winman 17U girls. Through leading Sea Bears’ community initiatives, Hildebrandt is working toward ensuring young girls have more opportunities to connect and stay connected to sport. 

Hailey Lavarias

Hailey Lavarias, the Sea Bears’ Office Administrator, is an alumnus of the Manitoba Bisons Soccer program. The former Manitoba Soccer Player of the Year plays a pivotal role in ensuring all front office operations run smoothly. In addition to contributing to the Sea Bears’ youth programs, Lavarias coaches Valour FC skills camp for children.

Dr. Gail Sawa

Dr. Gail Sawa is the team’s on-site doctor and the physician at Sport Manitoba. Dr. Sawa, who holds six degrees and diplomas, including one from the Olympic Committee, has a special interest in musculoskeletal disorders and sport medicine.As an athlete, Dr. Sawa has been involved in sport from a young age including elite artistic gymnastics, track and field, as well as rhythmic gymnastics where currently, she’s a coach and also a master’s competitor in the sport.

Kelly Chambers

Kelly Chambers is the team’s on-site head athletic therapist. Chambers earned multiple degrees before obtaining her national certification in 2014. Chambers’ multi-sport background has helped her work in a variety of sports. Her main two growing up were artistic gymnastics and soccer. Chambers uses both restorative and preventative methods with her athletes, helping them get back to the sports they love.