1979-81 women's volleyball squads went 41-1 in regular season and won back-to-back CCAA silvers

1979-81 Griffins women's volleyball

(Inducted 2024-25)

Just two years after the program went 0-21 in its inaugural season, the Griffins women's volleyball team suddenly turned into a powerhouse, winning back-to-back CCAA silver medals, two ACAC Championships and recording a dominant 41-1 regular season record from 1979-81.

In 1980-81, the Griffins became the first of 12 teams in the 50-year history of MacEwan Athletics to go undefeated in a regular season with a perfect 21-0 record.

Under head coach Ed Redden, the team put then-Grant MacEwan Community College on the map, roling through the ACAC both seasons.

In 1980, they lost 3-0 in the CCAA final to Collége Sherbrooke – 15-1, 15-9, 15-9 – finishing second out of seven teams at the nationals. Pat Cassidy and Lora Anderson were both named to the all-tournament team.

In 1981, they returned to the final and found themselves against Sherbrooke again, but the Quebec squad was too much, winning 3-0 again (15-3, 15-2, 15-9). Martin and Anderson both made the all-tournament team.

They won the first two of 30 CCAA Championship team medals accomplished in MacEwan's history (along with another 24 individual CCAA medals) and established the legacy of excellence the Griffins are known for.

The team was inducted into the Griffins Wall of Disinction on Jan. 25, 2025, following MacEwan's match vs. Regina.

READ THE FULL FEATURE ON THE 1979-81 DYNASTY HERE

The 1979-80 MacEwan women's volleyball team - as shown in the Scimitar (yearbook) - is the first team in MacEwan history to win a CCAA Championship medal.

The 1980-81 MacEwan women's volleyball team, as shown in the Scimitar (yearbook).