The Ennis award went to Calgary’s Marilyn McNeil, who led the Dinosaurs to first place and a (16-4) record in Canada West after assuming the helm in 1979. “I came to Calgary at the right time,” McNeil told the Calgary Herald. “They were losers and there wasn’t a lot of media pressure on me to make them winners. And, after all, I couldn’t do much worse. As a coach, I don’t understand losers. And, worst of all, I hate getting into situations where losing is involved because has a way of staying with you. … As a person, I can accept losing because I’m not a positive person – I’m a pessimist. But as a coach, I can’t stand my players accepting a loss.”
The second-team featured Holly Jackson-Pederson (Calgary);
Jackson-Pederson averaged 16.7 ppg, 2nd in Canada West play. “it took me a while to get going and get my confidence but I’m sure I’ll make first team next year.”