A Ball State University women's basketball player is leaving the program to attend Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis next year, but she does not know if she will compete for the Jaguars basketball team.
While senior Dana Collins said she is unsure whether she'll play basketball during her final year of eligibility, she will still be spending time on the court as the junior varsity girls' basketball head coach for Decatur Central High School during the upcoming season.
Throughout her three-year career at Ball State, Collins battled injuries. As a freshman, she played all season despite a broken tailbone. Later in her career, she had bunion surgery on her foot, then suffered stress fractures on her legs and feet.
"I just got tired of being injured and couldn't handle it," she said. "My body broke down, and I couldn't handle it mentally or physically."
"She's physically probably not able to play this year," coach Tracy Roller said. "We offered her a scholarship to stay [at Ball State], and she decided to stay at home."
Collins will be in charge of helping turn around Decatur Central's program. The Hawks' varsity team finished 2-18 last season and has won just five games in the past three seasons combined.
Collins said the Decatur Central coaching staff contacted her when she returned home and offered her the junior varsity head coaching job.
"[Varsity head coach Dave Cupp] felt I could come in and help change the program," she said.
In three seasons with the Cardinals, Collins averaged 7.3 points per game. As a junior, she averaged 5.3 points per game and two rebounds in seven games. Her season came to a halt after a car accident on Jan. 8.
"She's a great person, and we're going to miss having her as part of our family," Roller said. "But due to her injuries, she wouldn't have been able to contribute on the court. "
Collegiate women's basketball teams are allotted 15 scholarships each season. With Collins's departure, the Cardinals have a scholarship available, but Roller said she has no plans to fill the opening.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
