In her only season as head coach of the Army women’s basketball team, Maggie Dixon made an impact on the program that will never be matched. She was successful not only on the court, but also in making a difference in the lives of her players. Seventeen days after leading the Black Knights to their first NCAA Tournament appearance, coach Dixon was tragically and unexpectedly lost to a heart ailment. When the players returned to the basketball court, they decided to dedicate the 2006-07 season to their beloved former coach. Guided by Dave Magarity, an assistant under Dixon, Army compiled a school-record 24 Division I wins, including 12 in-a-row, and led the Patriot League in seven statistical categories, including scoring average, scoring defense, field goal percentage and rebounding. The team began the season by hosting the inaugural Maggie Dixon Classic, a double-header that featured the Black Knights against No. 7 Ohio State, and a men’s game between Western Michigan and the University of Pittsburgh – coached by Maggie Dixon’s older brother, Jamie. Between games, Maggie’s parents, sister, and Jamie were presented with a ring commemorating the 2005-06 Patriot League championship. Banners honoring the title and Maggie as conference coach of the year were unveiled. In April, the team was honored as the 2007 V Foundation Comeback Award recipients. Having persevered in the face of terrible loss, Army’s players and coaches hope that their efforts will help others preserve the memory of the coach they will never forget.
Army’s Women’s Basketball Team and Dave Magarity were recognized by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics.