Gail Wilson grew up in New Market, Ontario and received an undergraduate degree in Physical and Health Education from the University of Toronto in 1968. In 1977 she enrolled as a Master’s student in the UBC School of Physical Education and was appointed coach of the Women’s Field Hockey Team which she coached for 16 years. And in 1980, she became a faculty member in the School.
Wilson executed one of the most successful recruiting and coaching careers in UBC history. Gail’s UBC Women’s Field Hockey teams were Canada West champions in 1977-78, 1980-83 and in 90, and were National Champions five times. Gail was recognized countless times for her superb coaching abilities winning such awards as: the CWUAA Coach of the Year Award five times, the CIAU Field Hockey Coach of the Year in 1984 and 1987, the 1991 3M Canada Coach of the Year Award, and the Coach of the Year Award for both the Canadian Women’s Field Hockey and the Vancouver Women’s Field Hockey Associations. The CIS Field Hockey, Gail Wilson Outstanding Contributor Award is named in her honour and is presented to the CIS field hockey athlete who best displays athleticism and service to her teammates and to the community.
Gail is a two-time inductee into the UBC Sports Hall of Fame under the Coach and Builder categories. In 1995 she was inducted as the coach of the 1982/83 UBC Women’s Field Hockey team. It was one of the many excellent teams that Gail Wilson coached. They stood out not only because of their perfect 25-0 record, but also because they were the champions of the Vancouver City First Division and dominated at the CIAU National Championships. The team is still considered one of the greatest UBC Sports teams in the history of the university. In 2011, Gail was recognized as an honoree in the prestigious BC Sports Hall Fame ‘In Her Footsteps’ program which recognizes women who have made a significant contribution to girls and women through sport.
Gail recently retired from her position as Senior Instructor in the School of Kinesiology at UBC in 2019. This legendary UBC coach and teacher will be missed by all.
