After two solid seasons, Tracy Roller doesn't want to know what life would be like on Ball State University's women's basketball team without her star player, Julie DeMuth.
In just two years, DeMuth has become an integral part of the Cardinals' lineup. However, there was a time when it was uncertain whether the 5-foot-10 forward would indeed be a member of Ball State's roster, according to Roller.
"We recruited her sister, Jenny, a couple years ahead of Julie, and she went to (Indiana University) and played," Roller said. "So Julie was on our radar from that, but we were hoping it wouldn't be the same deal. We just knew she was the kind of kid that would come in and make you a championship team because she had that championship mentality. So we were really excited when we signed her."
Since the time DeMuth committed to Ball State, the junior forward has gotten off to a great start to her career, leading Ball State in rebounds as a freshman and sophomore. Her 8.9 boards per game led the Mid-American Conference last year, and DeMuth also had more double-doubles than any player in the conference.
This season, DeMuth represents Ball State on the pre-season All-MAC West team, making her the only non-senior on the five-player list. While it's a great honor, DeMuth said she wasn't anticipating the recognition.
"I'm not going to say I expected to be where I am," DeMuth said. "I knew I was capable of it, but I didn't expect it. I knew if I worked hard and did all the right things it could come, but there was no expectation that I would wind up where I am."
While DeMuth's game is centered on rebounding, defense and hustle, she's also the leading scorer amongst all returning Cardinal players, averaging 11.4 points per game last year. The junior said her ability to be productive without scoring is what makes her such a dangerous player.
"Being an all-around player helps everybody, myself included," DeMuth said. "It takes the pressure off me knowing that I don't have to score to be effective. Then it helps the team because if I just do the little things like set screens and rebound, it opens things up for everybody."
Senior guard and captain Kelsey Corbin said the whole team benefits from DeMuth's style of play. Whether it's drawing two defenders in the low post or help-side defenders when she slashes to the basket, DeMuth gives more options to the other Cardinals on the floor.
"When she drives, our eyes get about as big as our head because the defense has to sag in on her," Corbin said. "If they don't help defend her it's either a foul or two points. Getting wide-open looks in the midst of the game is so key because it takes pressure off of us. We just have to hit the shots we get."
With DeMuth fully committed to a successful season for the Cardinals, and her teammates following the lead she sets, Roller said 2007 could be a special year for both her starting forward and Ball State.
"I think this has the chance to be a very special season," Roller said. "She works hard, and I think we feed off of her intensity. Her effort and energy is consistent in every practice. She's a great kid, and that's all you can ask for. I know she's ready to take us somewhere she's never been and that's a NCAA tournament bid."
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