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Kelly Packard will be Ball State University's 10th head coach in the 34-year history of the women's basketball, athletics director Tom Collins announced Monday afternoon.
Packard, a four-year letter winner and 1990 graduate of Anderson University, replaces former head coach Tracy Roller, who has been absent from the team since late December. Packard was inducted into the Anderson University Hall of Fame in 2002.
Roller initially cited a severe case of mononucleosis for her absence, but resigned April 2 after being diagnosed with manic depression. Roller recorded a record of 118-73 in her seven seasons at the helm with the Cardinals, leaving as the program's all-time wins leader.
Packard has experienced success as a head coach and assistant coach at the collegiate and professional level. In her most recent position, Packard was the executive director of the WNBA Expansion Team for Colorado. She also led the Colorado Chill of the National Women's Basketball League to a 34-12 record in two seasons as head coach with the franchise.
Packard spent five seasons as an assistant coach under Tom Collen and Greg Williams at Colorado State University. During those five seasons, Packard helped lead the program to a 99-49 overall record and two appearances in the NCAA tournament. Packard and her husband, Rich Packard, have two children - 13-year old Derek and nine-year old Evan.
Read Thursday's edition of The Ball State Daily News for continued coverage on Packard's hiring as the 10th head coach for the Cardinals' women's basketball program.
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