Program Builder

I feel that all young coaches should try their best to better themselves in as many ways as possible. There are many way to accomplish this through clinics, chalk talks, camps, furthering their education, etc. As I look at jobs that are beginning to open in the collegiate coaching ranks many employers are looking for more qualified applicants with higher education. In your coaching career you do not want your education to hold you back from a great job opportunity.

At the current time I am pursuing my Master’s degree from Ball State University (Muncie, IN) and I was a very proud member of the student body as the Lady Cardinals defeated the powerhouse Lady Volunteers of Tennessee in the 12 v. 5 match-up in the NCAA tournament. The thing that really stood out was that this great win for the Ball State Lady Cardinals was accomplished under first year Head Coach Kelly Packard. Packard has also received The Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) 2009 Maggie Dixon Division I Rookie Coach of the Year award. This award goes to a rookie coach that has guided their team to a successful first year.

I found a great article on The Ball State Daily News Online that speaks about the great accomplishment of the Lady Cardinals. The Volunteers’ being bigger at all five positions Ball State found a way to win a huge program builder. In the article Coach Packard talks about the team coming together in the off-season:

"Pride," Packard said. "Pride in these young women. I just think the humbleness of watching them get together in May and to grow and to build something so special. That's the fun for me, you know the fact that we're pretty darn skilled and have fun together is awesome. I would walk away with the relationships in a heartbeat."

Coach Packard talks about “pride” and “Humbleness” in the article. Many times it feels like many student-athletes don’t take enough pride in the program and sell-out to the program’s philosophy. I also strongly believe that many people associate with sports have not learned the great lesson of humility. These are two great qualities that separate the good from the great. Congratulations to Coach Packard and her Lady Cardinals.