Maggie Dixon Division I Rookie Coach of the Year

Definition
The Maggie Dixon Division I Rookie Coach of the Year award is in honor of the late Maggie Dixon, former Army head coach, whose success during her inaugural year at the Army helm was remarkable. The Black Knights won the Patriot League title in 2006 and Dixon was named the Patriot League Coach of the Year after leading Army to the NCAA Tournament for the first time at the NCAA Division I level. Coach Dixon passed away on April 6, 2006, just a few weeks following their appearance in the NCAA Tournament.

Although Maggie has moved on, her unforgettable spirit continues to live on through those who knew her and those who simply wanted to know her. Looking back, we all were aware of Maggie's on-court successes including Army's memorable journey to the NCAA Tournament. What is equally important is to remember just who Maggie was as a person. From her infectious smile to her competitive fire, she really did have an air about her. Maggie was so full of life, so proud and so positive about everything. She did not just lead people, but she really cared about the way she was leading them. The spirit of Maggie Dixon will live through this award and its recipients who, by their selection, have demonstrated both the on-court successes as well as the enrichment to the lives of those around them.

A rookie coach is defined as a first year head coach in NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball. A head coach whose institution has moved into Division I will not qualify for this award if it is not their first year as a head coach at that institution. Any head coach/assistant coach who has coached at the professional and then returns to the collegiate level will NOT be eligible for this award.

Eligibility
Any WBCA Division I head coach who is in their rookie season is eligible for this award.

Criteria (In Priority Order)
1. Must be a current Division I head coach in his/her rookie season
2. Qualification/Advancement in NCAA Tournament or NIT
3. Qualification/Advancement in conference tournament
4. Success in conference during the regular season
5. Team success during the regular season
6. Team improvement from previous season
7. Regular season conference record
8. Awards/Honors

Nomination
Any rookie coach from any of the five collegiate divisions who fits the above criteria is eligible for this award.  Any head coach/assistant coach who has coached at the professional and then returns to coach at the collegiate level will NOT be eligible for this award. The WBCA will send the committee a list of those coaches along with updated stats, awards and other pertinent news throughout the season. (Note: change in eligibility requirements – Oct. 2009).  

Selection
Each committee member will review the spreadsheet prior to the selection conference call in March. The committee will discuss the candidates and then they will vote on the Maggie Dixon Division I Rookie Coach of the Year. The coach that receives the most votes is the winner.

Notification
Once the award winner is selected, the CEO of the WBCA will notify the recipient immediately following.

Presentation
The Maggie Dixon Division I Rookie Coach of the Year award will be presented annually at the WBCA Awards Luncheon during the WBCA National Convention.

Past Maggie Dixon Division I Rookie Coach of the Year Recipients
2009 - Kelly Packard, Ball State University
2008 - Jeff Walz, University of Lousiville
2007 - Krista Kilburn-Steveskey, Hofstra University