Becoming UnDone: Celebrating Coach Dick Tomey’s Legacy of Pioneering Athletic Trainers with Maggie Lacambra

Introduction

In Episode 121, Part 10 of "Becoming UnDone," host Toby Brooks delves deep into the enduring legacy of Coach Dick Tomey, a revered figure in college football, through an intimate conversation with Maggie Lacambra. Maggie, a trailblazing athletic trainer, shares her firsthand experiences working under Coach Tomey at the University of Arizona, highlighting his unique leadership style, commitment to diversity, and profound impact on her professional and personal growth.

Background on Coach Dick Tomey

Coach Dick Tomey was renowned not just for his strategic prowess on the football field but also for his unparalleled ability to connect with and inspire those around him. His philosophy centered on building lasting relationships, fostering a family-like environment, and emphasizing personal growth over mere victories. As Toby Brooks recounts, "He built something far more lasting. Relationships. And those questions haven't let me go."

Maggie Lacambra’s Journey

Maggie Lacambra began her career as a graduate assistant athletic trainer at the University of Arizona in 1994. Initially working with women's basketball and later transitioning to football, Maggie became one of the first female head athletic trainers in Division 1 football—a role that was exceptionally rare at the time. She credits both Sue Hillman and Coach Tomey for opening doors and providing unwavering support.

Maggie reflects, “[Coach Tomi] didn't make it feel different... he was a people lover and he embraced cultures, he embraced language, embrace everything.”

Breaking Barriers: Women in Athletic Training

The mid-1990s were a transformative period for women in athletic training. Despite the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) being predominantly male in its early years, pioneers like Sue Hillman paved the way for women like Maggie to assume leadership roles in major sports programs. Maggie emphasizes the significance of Coach Tomey’s support in this context:

“Both [Sue and Coach Tomey] were equally very open-minded into just putting the right person in the right place to do a good job.”

Challenges Faced and Overcome

Being a female athletic trainer in a male-dominated field presented numerous challenges, from skepticism during introductions at games to misconceptions about her role. Maggie recounts instances where she was mistaken for a nurse or travel coordinator. Despite these obstacles, she maintained professionalism and excellence in her work, often under heightened scrutiny:

“There was a scrutiny with that, and there was a heavy load to bear, but ... your work was exemplary.”

Lessons from Coach Tomey’s Leadership

Coach Tomey’s leadership was characterized by curiosity over judgment, fostering an environment where individuals felt valued and understood. This approach resonated deeply with Maggie, shaping her own leadership style. She shares a poignant moment from Coach Tomey’s memorial service, where former players described him as a “virus” of positive influence—“He leaves a residue on you. He leaves a stain. And you're like, whoa, what did I brush up against?”

This metaphor encapsulates Coach Tomey’s ability to impart lasting values and beliefs in those he led. Maggie echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of treating people with respect and allowing them to be their authentic selves.

The Pinnacle: The 1998 Season

The 1998 season stands out as a testament to Coach Tomey’s unwavering belief in his players and staff. Under his guidance, Arizona football experienced one of its most successful years, culminating in the team being ranked fourth in the country. Maggie describes the season's camaraderie and the family-like atmosphere fostered by Coach Tomey:

“It was a family. It was a family. And the press, the goal of coach told me was it was like, you know, it's like, burn the boats... We're going to do this one at a time, one at a time, one at a time.”

Navigating Turbulence: The 1999 Season

In contrast to the triumph of 1998, the 1999 season was fraught with challenges, both on and off the field. Maggie candidly discusses the difficulties she faced, including personal struggles that affected her professional performance. Despite these hardships, Coach Tomey’s support remained steadfast:

“He pulled me into his office one day. He's like, what's going on? What can I do for you?... that support that he had of what can I do for you.”

Maggie expresses heartfelt gratitude for Coach Tomey’s empathy and unwavering support during tough times, highlighting his role not just as a coach but as a mentor and confidant.

Legacy and Impact

Coach Tomey’s legacy extends beyond his strategic mind. He was a champion for diversity, a nurturer of talent regardless of background, and a beacon of integrity and compassion. Maggie reflects on the lasting lessons she carries forward in her career:

“One of the biggest things that I take away from Coach Tomi is just how he treated people. Let people be the way they're going to be. Don't change people. That's the beauty of life and the beauty of individuals.”

Her journey from a pioneering athletic trainer to a leader at Gatorade underscores the profound influence Coach Tomey had on her professional ethos and personal growth.

Notable Quotes

• Dino Babers (03:51): “Dick is a virus, Nancy. He's the virus you can't get out of your computer.”

• Maggie Lacambra (25:22): “I had to be and maybe I did. I mean, looking back, there are times when I wish I would have been less strict.”

• Maggie Lacambra (37:00): “He just pulled me in his office one day. He's like, what's going on? What can I do for you?”

• Toby Brooks (35:09): “To Walt Whitman, to Ted Lasso, and to Dick Tomey, my commitment, my recommitment is to do my best to change my innate reflexive tendency to judge into purposeful curiosity.”

Closing Thoughts

The episode culminates in a heartfelt tribute to Coach Tomey, with Maggie expressing her deep gratitude and reflecting on how his teachings continue to guide her. Toby Brooks eloquently encapsulates the essence of their conversation, emphasizing the enduring impact of Coach Tomey's compassionate leadership and Maggie's role in perpetuating his legacy.

As Toby concludes, “He built something far more lasting. Relationships. And those questions haven't let me go,” listeners are left with a profound appreciation for the human side of leadership and the transformative power of unwavering support and belief in others.

Conclusion

Episode 121, Part 10 of "Becoming UnDone" offers a rich tapestry of stories and insights that honor Coach Dick Tomey’s remarkable legacy. Through Maggie Lacambra’s poignant narrative, the episode sheds light on the pivotal role of compassionate leadership, the importance of fostering diversity, and the enduring impact one individual can have on the lives and careers of many. This tribute not only celebrates Coach Tomey but also inspires listeners to embody the values of care, integrity, and relentless growth in their own journeys.