When Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Tom Collins begins his search for a new head women's basketball coach, chances are he won't need to look very far.
Following former head coach Tracy Roller's departure from the team, acting head coach Lisa McDonald confirmed late Wednesday her intention to apply for Ball State University's head-coaching vacancy.
"I think that I shared Tracy's vision for the seven years we've been together," McDonald said. "I feel like Tracy has prepared me for this all along, and I feel like I can continue this vision she had. The team is so close to my heart, and Ball State is a very special place to me. There really is no place that I'd rather be."
Whether or not McDonald is hired as the next head coach, she will remain the acting head coach until a decision is made, Collins said. During that time, McDonald will be primarily responsible for recruiting, particularly scheduling unofficial visits and making phone calls to recruits.
Collins said earlier Wednesday it's his hope that McDonald will have interest in becoming the 10th head coach in Ball State's 34-year history.
"I think she did a tremendous job for us last season," Collins said. "I have full confidence that Lisa can be successful here at Ball State."
Dealing with less than ideal circumstances, McDonald led Ball State to its second consecutive Mid-American Conference West Division title last season. In her first experience as a head coach, McDonald posted an 11-5 MAC record.
With the success she experienced in that span, Roller said she thinks McDonald is the best candidate to be her successor.
"I think what the team did under those circumstances, I personally think it was amazing," Roller said. "I think Lisa proved herself on the court, and that's something that's really factual."
Even though Roller was impressed with McDonald's performance on the hardwood, she said, the reason McDonald makes the perfect fit as head coach at Ball State has much more to do than just basketball.
"I'm sure there will be other qualified candidates out there," Roller said. "But I know Lisa will take care of the kids, and that's what's most important to me."
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