Junior Hayley Hall has been a staple of the Muncie tennis scene ever since she can remember.
The 2007 Delta High School graduate has won countless local tennis tournament titles and was one of the state's top players throughout her high school career.
So when the Ball State University women's tennis player said she approves the hiring of interim coach Amy Behrman, another Muncie product, then those close to the program can rest easy knowing it finally has a capable leader to guide the team for the 2010 season.
"[Behrman's] really excited, and since it's a new opportunity for her, she's really enthusiastic about everything," Hall said. "She's going to push us hard and keeps things fun, but really competitive with conditioning and everything. Everyone's pretty excited."
On Monday, the Ball State athletics department announced the hiring of Behrman, a Burris Laboratory School graduate with ties close to the Muncie tennis community. She replaces former coach Kathy Bull, who was fired in October after 20 seasons amidst six NCAA violations.
Behrman spent the last year guiding the Yorktown High School girl's varsity tennis program. She was unable to be reached for comment Monday.
Hall said her team was relieved to have a new coach with the 2010 season right around the corner. Ball State opens by hosting the University of Dayton Saturday at the Muncie Northwest YMCA.
The period from Oct. 20, when Bull was fired, to Monday was a rough stretch for the women's tennis team. Without a coach, the team missed two fall tournaments typically utilized to keep players fresh for the regular season the following spring.
Ball State could've taken advantage of the fall tournaments, as it battled inexperience last season and struggled with a 5-14 (0-8 Mid-American Conference) record.
Hall said Monday's news was a much-needed breath of fresh air.
"We just want to put everything behind us and move on," she said. "We want to have a really, really successful season and show everyone that we can do it."
One area Hall said she hopes Behrman helps the program is the Cardinals' doubles play.
Behrman was team MVP and a team captain twice on the women's tennis team at Catawba College, where she graduated in 2004.
"She was a really good doubles player," Hall said. "So I think she'll help bring our doubles up a level."
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