Army Women's Coach Passes Away

In an unfathomably tragic story, Army women's basketball coach Maggie Dixon, who took the Lady Cadets to the NCAA tournament this year at the age of 28, died yesterday afternoon of a heart arrhythmia. Dixon, the sister of Pittsburgh coach Jamie Dixon had no history of heart problems and, after all, was just 28. ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, who wrote an excellent feature on Dixon just last month, eulogizes her this morning.

Three weeks ago for Maggie Dixon, life was the Tennessee Volunteers, the NCAA Tournament and becoming the toast of the Academy. Three weeks ago, they were worried that they wouldn't be able to keep Dixon at Army long, that she was on her way to the big time. Three weeks ago, she was living one of those blessed lives, when everything in life seemed to be within her grasp. This is the kind of story, the kind of tragedy, that leaves a pit in your stomach. Leaves you speechless. No warning. No justice.

Dixon's Death Cuts Short A Championship-Caliber Life [ESPN] One Of The Best Stories This Year [Womens Hoops]

(UPDATE: A video honoring Dixon and Army's victory can be found at Pitt Panther Hoops.)