Maggie Dixon facts for kids
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| Biographical details | |
|---|---|
| Born | May 9, 1977 North Hollywood, California |
| Died | April 6, 2006 (aged 28) Valhalla, New York |
| Playing career | |
| 1995–1999 | San Diego |
| Position(s) | Guard/forward |
| Coaching career (HC unless noted) | |
| 2001–2005 | DePaul (asst.) |
| 2005–2006 | Army |
| Administrative career (AD unless noted) | |
| 2000–2001 | DePaul (dir. of ops.) |
| Head coaching record | |
| Overall | 20-11 (.645) |
| Tournaments | 0–1 (NCAA) |
| Accomplishments and honors | |
| Championships | |
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Margaret Mary Dixon (born May 9, 1977 – died April 6, 2006) was an American college basketball coach. She became famous for leading the Army Black Knights to their first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance. She achieved this in her very first year as a head coach.
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Maggie Dixon's Early Life and Career
Maggie Dixon was born in North Hollywood, California. She loved basketball from a young age. She played for her high school team at Notre Dame High School. After high school, she went to the University of San Diego. She played on the women's basketball team there. She was even the team captain in her final year.
After college, Maggie tried out for a professional basketball team. When that didn't work out, her older brother, Jamie, encouraged her to try coaching. She started as an assistant coach at DePaul University in 2001. She worked there for four years.
Coaching the Army Black Knights
In 2005, something amazing happened. Just 11 days before the new basketball season began, Maggie was hired. She became the head coach for the United States Military Academy women's basketball team. This team is known as the Army Black Knights.
In her first year, Maggie led the team to a surprising 20 wins and only 11 losses. They also won the Patriot League conference tournament. This win meant they got to play in the 2006 NCAA Women's Division I Basketball Tournament. It was the first time any Army basketball team had ever made it to the NCAA tournament!
Maggie's brother, Jamie Dixon, was also a successful basketball coach. In 2006, they made history together. They became the first brother-sister pair to coach teams in the NCAA basketball tournaments in the same year.
Maggie's Sudden Passing
After her team's first tournament game, Maggie traveled to watch other basketball games. She was in Boston for the women's Final Four. On April 5, 2006, she collapsed after returning to West Point. She was rushed to the hospital.
Sadly, Maggie passed away the next day. She was only 28 years old. Doctors later found out she had a heart problem. It was a very sad loss for the basketball world.
Maggie Dixon was buried at the West Point Cemetery. This is a special honor, usually given to high-ranking officials. It showed how much she was respected.
Remembering Maggie Dixon
Maggie's impact on basketball was so strong that people created special tributes to her.
The Maggie Dixon Classic
In November 2006, the first "Maggie Dixon Classic" was held. It was a special basketball event to honor her. It included both men's and women's games. The event also raises money for heart research. It helps people learn about heart health.
Over the years, the Classic has featured many top college teams. These include teams from the University of Pittsburgh, Duke University, and the UConn Huskies. It even moved to Madison Square Garden in New York City for a while.
Another event, the Maggie Dixon Surf 'N Slam Classic, takes place at her old college, the University of San Diego.
The Maggie Dixon Award
To remember Maggie's amazing first year as a coach, a special award was created. The Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) started the "Maggie Dixon Award" in 2006.
This award is given to the best coach in their first year as a head coach in Division 1 college basketball. It celebrates coaches who, like Maggie, make a big impact right away. The first award went to Krista Kilburn-Steveskey from Hofstra University.
Images for kids
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Jamie Dixon, with his sister Julie and their parents, accepting a check for the Maggie Dixon Fund.
