University of British Columbia Athletics

UBC's 1971-72 Women's basketball team was a dominant force in Canadian university sports during the early 1970s. Under the coaching of former UBC Thunderbird Norm Vickery, the "Thunderettes" had their sights set on winning the first official national university championship for women's basketball – the Bronze baby.

The Thunderettes pushed themselves through an intensive training regimen that season, and it paid off. UBC dominated Western Canada with a conference record of 15-1. UBC went on to face the University of New Brunswick in the national championship final. UBC got out to a quick start and had the lead at half-time, but the UNB squad stormed back to close the gap. Bench players stepped up in a hard-fought second half, and it was truly a team effort that propelled UBC to the championship win with a score of 74-69.

From this group, six women would go on to represent Team Canada at different times, including three Olympians - Joanne Sargeant, Bev Barnes and Bev Bland. The team defended their title, winning the Bronze baby again in 1973 and 1974. 

This era of women's basketball and the members of this 1971-72 team were at the leading edge of significantly raising the standard for excellence in women's athletics. Their success helped pave the way for future generations of female athletes and helped establish women's basketball as a competitive and respected sport in Canada.

1971-72 UBC Women's Basketball Team
Bev Barnes, Bev Bland (Preston), Heather Cranston, Janice Gee (Kainer), Wendy Grant, Linda McCulloch, Terri McGovern, Debbie Phelan, Peggy Robinson, Joanne Sargent, Lynne Wells.  Coach was Norm Vickery and Manager was Heather Butcher (Lennie).