Margaret “Peggy” Gallant has devoted years – more than 50 years at last count – to the development and equality of women in sport, both on a local and on a national level.

Gallant got her start in school sports, as a young girl growing up in Stellarton, Nova Scotia.

In recalling those days, Gallant is quoted as saying, “I loved being active and playing on a team — it got to the point that if there was a team, I tried out for it, but I soon came to the realization that opportunities, at the time, were very limited for young women.”

Never one to accent the status quo, Gallant was destined to work towards leveling the playing field.

From her formative years in Stellarton, she went on to attend the Nova Scotia Teachers College, graduating in 1966. She was one of only 11 women among a graduating class of 40.

Of her experience there, she notes, “I was so fortunate to be taught by the likes of Dorothy Walker, Hugh Noble, Bill White, Jim Bayer.”

Subsequently, Gallant attended St. Francis Xavier University (St. FX), graduating in 1969 with a Physical Education degree. The Gallant-St. FX association continued for five decades as she made an indelible mark on her school.

“I began as the Director of Athletics at Mount St. Bernard,” Gallant recalls. “I was also the Director of Intramurals, the field hockey coach and I taught elementary school education for St. FX” (an unheard-of workload today).

Gallant introduced a “gender in sport” course at St. FX, which was one of the first courses of its kind offered. The long-time Antigonish resident also coached soccer and volleyball teams, spearheading the formation of a women’s club soccer team on the St. FX campus in the early ’80s. Gallant successfully fought for Atlantic University Athletic Association (AUAA) status for women’s soccer and guided the St. FX team to the league title in 1986.

“Soccer was probably where I witnessed my most success, especially being a factor in establishing a program for women,” she says. “Getting that league varsity status was huge.”

Antigonish May, Laurie Boucher, was a member of that team and is a staunch supporter of her former coach. “Peggy’s drive and determination were the reasons women’s soccer got off the ground at “X” and in the AUAA. Her passion for the sport, and more importantly for the young women who played the game, was outstanding. Peggy was the driving force that brough women’s soccer to varsity status.”

Boucher notes that Gallant consistently fought for equality for females at the university level and beyond. “She is so well respected across the country as an educator, builder, and coach and has paved the way for others, particularly women, to follow in her footsteps. We learned so much from Peggy — the way she cared for people and fought for them. Many members of the team went on in life giving back to their communities. I attribute that to Peggy’s leadership and the fact that she had such high standards.”

Former St. FX Athletic Director, Dr. John “Packy” McFarland recalls Gallant’s time at St. FX both as a student and a co-worker. “From the first time I met her, Peggy impressed me as a great advocate for equality in sport,” McFarland said. “When she joined the St. FX staff, Peggy was the only female in the department, but she certainly held her own among her male counterparts, and she always did more than her share as a coach, an educator, and an executive member.”

“Peggy has been a pioneer in women’s sports,” McFarland says. “She treats everyone equally and when she sees a need, she’s quick to step up. There’s no question she was loved and respected by her students and athletes at St. FX.”

Gallant spent years as a master course conductor in the National Coaching Certification Program, emphasizing the need for grass roots sports. While saluting national team programs and elite athletes, Gallant suggested there is, and will always be, a need for people in communities to provide an opportunity to foster a love of sports.

Despite her many successes and accomplishments over the course of her career, Gallant admits there remains a feeling of disappointment. She believes there continues to be a lack of female coaches and officials along with a shortage of females in leadership positions.

“It’s always been a dream of mine to have equality right across the board,” she says. “I don’t think we’ve made it although we’ve come a long way. I believe that sport is important for everyone because there are great life lessons learned through sport. The bright side and the beauty of sports will carry you in life.”

Gallant’s students, colleagues, community, and generations of women to come share a sense of gratitude for her lasting and impactful legacy. While we may not have achieved full equality yet, through Gallant’s leadership, commitment, and most importantly, her example, it is now solidly within our reach.

Bio Courtesy of Gail MacDougall