NEW YORK, N.Y. – Former Fairfield University Women's Basketball Head Coach Dianne Nolan was one of four recipients of the Joe Lapchick Character Award given annually to individuals who demonstrated Lapchick-like characteristics. Among those values are: commitment to excellence, integrity, inspiration, leadership, legendary, courageous, trustworthy, and confidence.
 
Nolan was an instrumental figure in the development of the Fairfield Women's Basketball program, leading the Stags for 28 years, including the program's transition to the Division I stage. She amassed 456 victories during her Fairfield career which included three Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Championships and four NCAA Tournament appearances.
 
She was a five-time MAAC Coach of the Year and mentored 28 All-MAAC First Team selections as well as 12 future Fairfield Athletics Hall of Famers.
 
In her career, Nolan compiled 575 victories which ranks in the top-50 all-time in Division I. She was inducted into the Fairfield Hall of Fame in 2001 and her 456 victories ranks her third in Fairfield history in any sport.
 
She has also been inducted into the Connecticut Women's Basketball Hall of Fame and the Camden N.J. County Sports Hall of Fame.
 
Nolan is one of four recipients for the 2024 Joe Lapchick Character Award joining: Jim Larranaga, Lon Kruger, and Fran Dunphy. The four award winners will be honored at a special luncheon on Sept. 20 at the New York Athletic Club in NYC.