The 1978-79 Women's Basketball made history as the first-ever female varsity program in school history while laying the groundwork for Women's Division I athletics at Manhattan College. Officially announced as a varsity team on February 9, 1978, Michele Blatt was announced as the program's first coach just over five months later on July 13. "This team is extremely unique, quite possibly the most unique in program history," said Athletic Director Jack Powers '58. "They had very little funding, not many resources and didn't even have a coach until the summer before their first season of play. For them to be able to accomplish what they did, in such a short time period is one of the most remarkable achievements in the history of sports at Manhattan College and in my career as an administrator/coach. They truly set the foundation for female intercollegiate athletics at the school." Senior Lisa Toscano '79 and sophomore Liz Mundy '81 were joined by seven freshmen and won the first game in program history against Lehman behind 33 points and 22 rebounds from Marianne Reilly '82. The Jaspers also bested CCNY, John Jay, Marymount, Fairfield and Mount St. Vincent, and set the foundation for the 1980-81 team that won 17 games. The 1978-79 women's basketball team enhanced the entire Manhattan College community, and represented the most basic diversity in education.