Gail MacDougall: A True Builder

Gail MacDougall has been a life-long resident of “The Heights” in Antigonish.  The daughter of John James and Mary (Duggan) MacDougall, she grew up in a large family of six sisters and one brother.  Highland dance and braids were part of the routine in the MacDougall household. Her life-long love of sports stems from watching hockey, especially the Maple Leafs, with her father.

Below:  MacDougall sisters  Patricia, Gail and Rita Lynn at 1967 Highland Games

This love of “watching the game” propelled her into a 40-year career with The Casket, as the “Voice of Sporting News” in Eastern Nova Scotia.  Everyone knew her, sitting on the sidelines, the accomplished journalist and sports photographer was a consummate supporter.  She delighted in the wins and lamented the losses.

Gail played softball with Kell’s Angels, but influences would take her sports career in a different direction. She had a great appreciation and respect for "Ray Mac" MacDonald, coach of the Kell's Angels.  Gail decided she would like to try coaching basketball, she felt she would like to concentrate on that particular game.  Her mentors over the years were Steve Konchalski, Anne McGrath, Tilly Walsh, Mabel Arsenault and Donna MacEachern, who encouraged her involvement, and love for basketball.

Gail’s career as Head Coach spanned 38 years of girls’ basketball with Dr. John Hugh Gillis High School. Three Provincial titles were achieved in 1984, 1986 and 1990; with an impressive record of 905 wins, 440 losses.  Besides coaching at the provincial level, Gail twice coached the Nova Scotia Canada Games team.   As a registered softball umpire, she has received numerous awards for her contribution to this discipline.  Not to be overlooked, has been her ongoing support of all sports at St F X University.  In 2017  Gail MacDougall was inducted into the St F X Sports Hall of Fame for her backing and publicity provided to University sports teams.

As a coach and mentor, she instilled respect and integrity in her players.  Seeing the girls stick with the program, play hard and enjoy representing their school provided a source of pride.  Gail would like to be remembered for "working hard at the game".  She recalls  "Often it was not easy, but I have great memories of wonderful student athletes who represented our school, and our community and always gave everything they had; and left it all on the court.”

Wendy Langley,  former high school player for Gail stated, 'It is fair to say, that when Gail MacDougall steps into the gym, players, opponents, coaches and officials know to bring their A- game; she would accept no less from any of them.  It is this type of respect that has elevated the game of basketball in Antigonish, and in the province of Nova Scotia.  If only every community and every sport were so lucky to have a “GAIL”in their midst!  Gail MacDougall a true builder.

* Sport Nova Scotia Service Award – outstanding volunteer effort (1991)
* Antigonish Junior Bulldogs – A Better Place to Live Award (1991)
* Nova Scotia School Athletic Association Outstanding Service Award (1991)
* Town of Antigonish Certificate of Appreciation (2001)
* Dr J H Gillis Development of Female Athletes Award (2005)
* Frank Baldwin Winner – Basketball Nova Scotia (2005)
* Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation Media Award (1991)
* AUS Media Award (2011/12), nominee for CIS Fred Sgambati Media Award
* St FX Athletics X-ceptional Award (2012)
* Dorothy Walker Distinguished Service Award (2009)
* Nova Scotia Women’s Trendsetter Media Award (2017)
* St FX Sports Hall of Fame (2017)

Submitted by Liz Chisholm