121 | Part 10: Celebrating Coach Dick Tomey’s Legacy of Pioneering Athletic Trainers with Magie Lacambra

About the Guest

Magie Lacambra is a trailblazing figure in athletic training, currently serving as the Team Sport Manager for Gatorade and Gatorade Sports Marketing. An accomplished professional, Lacambra began her career in Tucson, Arizona, where she followed in her mentor Sue Hillman’s steps, breaking barriers as two of the first female athletic trainers in NCAA Division I football, creating a path for future generations in a field traditionally dominated by men. Her tenure included working closely with legendary coach Dick Tomey at the University of Arizona, where she spearheaded medical care and team support. Magie is recognized for her leadership, resilience, and unwavering dedication to athlete welfare and professional excellence.

Episode Summary

In this enlightening episode of Becoming UnDone, host Toby Brooks engages with Magie Lacambra, a pioneer in the field of athletic training, as they reflect on the legacy of Coach Dick Tomey. The episode delves deep into the dynamics of being one of the first women athletic trainers in Division I football during an era where diversity in sports management was rare. Magie recounts her initial apprehension, the groundbreaking support from Coach Tomey, and the challenges she faced in a predominantly male-dominated setting. Through a genuine conversation, listeners are offered a glimpse of what makes Dick Tomey’s philosophy of leadership so impactful and timeless.

As the conversation unfolds, Magie shares inspirational stories of resilience and determination that characterized her journey through the University of Arizona. Emphasizing the intricate balance between athletic training and maintaining athlete well-being, she sheds light on how Coach Tomey’s leadership style, which was grounded in integrity and empathy, cultivated a culture of inclusiveness and trust. Through personal insights and heartfelt anecdotes, the episode honors Tomey’s enduring legacy, highlighting the importance of caring leadership, his dedication to personal development, and the impact of believing in people to unleash their fullest potential.

Key Takeaways

• Breaking Barriers in Athletic Training: Magie Lacambra’s path as one of the first female athletic trainers in Division I football underscores the importance of diversity and inclusion in sports.
• Leadership through Empathy: Coach Dick Tomey’s legacy is marked by a unique blend of care, cultural integration, and holistic player development, setting a standard in leadership.
• Resilience and Determination: Despite the challenges posed by the era, Magie’s unwavering commitment to her role emphasizes the necessity of resilience in achieving professional success.
• Cultural Richness and Inclusion: Tomey’s approach to embracing diverse cultures within his teams fostered a sense of unity and family among players and staff.
• Legacy of Care and Connection: Dick Tomey’s leadership style was characterized by deep personal connections and a genuine belief in nurturing potential, elevating both team and individual accomplishments.

Notable Quotes

1. “It’s fitting that we close this chapter of the series with someone who not only worked beside Coach Tomey but who lived out the very values he championed.” – Toby Brooks
2. “Coach Tomey believed in Magie. She, in return, became the kind of leader who could inspire belief in others.” – Toby Brooks
3. “As difficult as those times were, the memories are amazing.” – Magie Lacambra
4. “He cared a lot, and he showed that every day. And just letting everybody be, and love each other.” – Magie Lacambra
5. “Coach Tomey modeled a different kind of strength, one rooted in care, culture, and in connection.” – Toby Brooks

Resources

• Follow Toby Brooks on Instagram and LinkedIn: @becomingundonepod
• Learn more about Gatorade Sports Marketing where Maggie Locombra currently works.

Join the full episode to glean more life lessons from the remarkable journey of Magie Lacambra and gain insights into the indomitable legacy of Coach Dick Tomey. Stay tuned for more inspiring episodes from the Becoming UnDone series, dedicated to revealing how leaders transform challenges into growth.