Among his numerous great works of literature, one of Robert Frost's more popular pieces was a 20-line sonnet entitled "Road Not Taken."
The poem documented a lone traveler who was stuck at a fork in the road. After taking a long moment to contemplate which direction to take, the traveler chose to proceed on the path less traveled.
It's an action Ball State University athletics director Tom Collins can relate to well.
Since taking over the helm of Ball State's athletics department in January 2005, Collins has made the less popular decision numerous times.
Almost every Ball State fan is well aware of the Ronny Thompson debacle that occurred under Collins' leadership. However, Collins also fired Randy Litchfield, the most successful coach in Ball State women's volleyball history. The program posted an embarrassing 5-25 record last season under new first-year head coach Dave Boos.
Facing a fork in the road, Collins hired Kelly Packard as the new head coach of the Cardinals' women's basketball team. In the process, Collins shied away from interim head coach Lisa McDonald.
In the absence of former head coach Tracy Roller, who was diagnosed with manic depression before resigning April 2, McDonald led Ball State to a share of the Mid-American Conference West Division title. More than the success she found on the court, McDonald was beloved by the fan base her boss worked diligently to build and nurture. Effectively Roller's protegee, there was never any doubt McDonald was the community choice to fill the vacancy her former boss left.
She was also the choice among her players. Kiley Jarrett, Porchia Green and Dana Moorman each said they wanted McDonald to remain their head coach next season. The three will provide the program's senior leadership next season, and Jarrett and Green were captains last year.
Instead of adhering to the wishes of a fan base that has been highly critical of him, Collins once again took the road less traveled. Admittingly, it appears Collins has made a solid decision, which has rarely been the case.
Packard's resume shows a wealth of experience. She has served as a head and assistant coach. She has worked in the collegiate level as well as at the professional level.
It's important to note that success has followed her at each stop along the way. Packard was part of the staff that led Colorado State University to a 33-3 record during the 1998-99, a year in which the program garnered a No. 5 national ranking and advanced to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA tournament. In six years as an assistant with Colorado State, Packard helped lead the program to a 99-49 record.
She's also had success as a head coach with the Colorado Chill of the NWBL. In two seasons, Packard led the Chill to a 34-12 record and a pair of championships.
Even though little more is known about Packard, she seems to be a perfect fit for the current group of players who fill Ball State's roster. Like Roller and McDonald, Packard's philosophy hinges on athletic play and running the floor in transition. She also has promised to be "sensitive" during the transition period.
While some of Collins' other moves have backfired spectacularly, this particular hire looks as if it has a chance to benefit the program, and hence the athletics department.
Perhaps this time, taking the road less traveled will make all the difference for Collins.
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