Allison McNeill (2012) - Hall of Fame - Simon Fraser University Athletics

Simon Fraser University Athletics

Hall of Fame

Allison McNeill

Class
Induction

2012
Sport(s)

Coach

SFU had never qualified a team — men’s or women’s — for a national championship tournament before Allison McNeill got them there in her second season as head coach following its 87-55 win over Oregon’s Pacific University on March 8, 1990. After a victory lap by her players around Chancellor’s Gymnasium before an overflow crowd of 2,000 fans, McNeill went about the task of getting SFU there 11 straight seasons.

The Salmon Arm native compiled an incredible 363-79 overall record over 13 seasons, winning 10 conference championships, and taking her teams to three NAIA Final Fours. Although SFU lost both of its national final appearances, McNeill averaged 28 wins per season.

McNeill created a family environment within the program, raised the profile of women’s basketball in British Columbia and made SFU the destination for female players across Canada. She later coached the Canadian national team at the 2012 Summer Olympics.

WATCH: March Madness

Allison McNeill & WBB