In an era where top college basketball players often chase brighter lights, bigger schools and national attention, Maggie Doogan has built a remarkable career by doing the opposite.

From the moment she stepped on the court at Richmond, she committed to one program—and in return, she has left an undeniable mark on the school, her teammates, and the Atlantic 10 Conference.

Her recent milestone of surpassing 2,000 career points on Feb. 14 was a deserved celebration, but it doesn’t fully encapsulate the kind of player she is or the influence she has had.

Doogan’s impact extends far beyond individual numbers, shaping how Richmond plays, practices, and defines success.

She has been the heartbeat of this Spiders team. The forward sets the tone during tough stretches and instills confidence in her teammates on any given night. Doogan hasn’t just terrorized defenses with her scoring; she has altered expectations of what a mid-major star can be.

In a triple-overtime victory over Davidson on Jan. 14, Doogan produced one of the most memorable individual performances in program history, pouring in 48 points to set a program and Atlantic 10 single-game scoring mark.

“I just kind of switched into second gear, and I just wasn’t going to lose,” Doogan said after that game, summing up her competitiveness.

That performance didn’t just break records; it invited national attention. Shortly after, she was named USBWA National Player of the Week and recognized on the NCAA Starting Five, honors that reflected her dominant stretch and versatility.

But even amongst the praise, Doogan has never made the story about herself.

“I’m so honored … It's super special, and I just love having Richmond out there too, putting my team and school in the light,” she said.

Her decision to remain at Richmond throughout her college career speaks to a rare kind of loyalty. In a time when transferring to a bigger program often feels like the expected path for elite players, she stayed, developed, and helped build continuity in a rising program.

That choice allowed her to grow into a leadership role organically, and her influence shows on both ends of the court.

Richmond head coach Aaron Roussell has watched that evolution firsthand. After her historic junior season, when Doogan became the first Atlantic 10 Player of the Year in program history, she spoke not of herself, but of the group effort that got her there.

“It feels great,” Doogan said. “I think I have to give a lot of credit to my teammates. Yes, that award was given to me, but it wouldn’t have happened without them around me.”

That sense of shared achievement highlights how her leadership elevates those around her. She never claimed credit alone, even when the accolades piled up.

“We’ve worked with her on being more of a power player, and I think she’s embraced it," Roussell said. "She’s really turned into the full package.”

Doogan’s accomplishments have begun to break through the mid‑major ceiling. She was listed among ESPN’s Top 25 women’s college basketball players entering the 2025‑26 season, a rare distinction for someone outside a power conference, as she was the only mid‑major player on that list.

That kind of recognition isn’t just about scoring—it's about respect for how complete her game has become. People recognize her ability to command the floor in multiple ways: scoring when needed, facilitating offense, crashing the boards, or doing any other little thing her team needs of her.

Still, despite respect from those who follow the sport closely, Doogan hasn’t always commanded the mainstream spotlight her play warrants.

Mid‑major programs often struggle for visibility compared with high‑profile schools, and standout performers can go overlooked on the national stage.

But in circles that understand the balance of consistency, Doogan’s value is unmistakable.

She’s proven she can elevate her team in every context, from driving Richmond’s regular-season success to starring on the sport’s biggest stages. In the Spiders’ first NCAA Tournament victory, a 74‑49 win over Georgia Tech last season, Doogan scored 30 points, grabbed 15 rebounds, and dished six assists, showing that her influence doesn’t waver when the stakes are highest.

Her story is about more than milestones and accolades. It’s about someone choosing a path defined by commitment and turning that choice into a legacy.

She stayed with a program that believed in her from the start. Her leadership has helped shape Richmond into a respected competitor across the college basketball landscape, and her development stands as a reminder that dedication and loyalty can leave a legacy just as meaningful as any highlight reel.

Doogan is rare.