Army Women’s Basketball Named Comeback Award Winner

Army Women's Team Accepted their Comeback Award at The V Foundation's annual Spirit of Jimmy V New York Gala.

The Army women’s basketball team was named the recipient of the seventh annual V Foundation Comeback Award, given annually by The V Foundation for Cancer Research in collaboration with ESPN. The award was presented to head coach Dave Magarity and the Army team on April 25, 2007 at the third annual Spirit of Jimmy V New York Gala.

Just 17 days after Army’s 2005-06 Cinderella run to its first-ever NCAA Tournament, the team suffered a devastating loss when 28-year-old head coach Maggie Dixon died suddenly on April 6, 2006. The squad faced an emotional challenge not only to follow in Dixon’s footsteps, but to keep her memory alive and still move forward.

Under Magarity, the 2006-07 team engaged in opportunities to keep Coach Dixon’s legacy going and memory strong. Returning 14 letterwinners, Army posted a 24-6 season record this year, compiling a new record for wins by the team at the Division I level.

“We are thrilled to receive this award,” Magarity said. “I can’t tell you how special these kids are and how well they’ve handled everything they’ve gone through.

“When I took this job, we made a decision to do everything we could to keep Maggie’s memory alive,” Magarity continued. “We dedicated the season to her. She had a strong, profound impact on their lives and continues to do so. It was clear what my mission was – to keep her memory alive and continue to do that for years to come.”

“This award means so much,” Magarity said. “This is a special group of kids to come here and do what they do, and to win 24 games after everything they went through was amazing. Even talking about this brings back an incredible amount of emotion. And Jimmy V was a good friend of mine so it means a lot to me personally, too.”

“Although I never met Maggie, after speaking with her brother Jamie and Coach Magarity, it seems she and Jim shared many characteristics that just drew people to them,” V Foundation CEO Nick Valvano said. “What the Army team has done in her memory is an amazing tribute. It is a lasting tribute to their respect and regard for Maggie. The team displayed incredible perseverance and spirit, and it is with great admiration that we honor them with the Comeback Award.”