For the first time in more than 21 years, the Ball State University women's tennis team will play a match with a new head coach roaming the courts.
The Cardinals open the 2010 Spring schedule on Saturday when they host the University of Dayton as Ball State interim coach Amy Behrman makes her debut just five days after her hiring.
Behrman replaced Kathy Bull, who coached the program since June 29, 1988. Bull was fired in October amidst six NCAA violations.
"I'm very excited to have this opportunity," Behrman said. "I'm very grateful — it's very unique for me and I'm just very excited."
Behrman comes from Yorktown High School, where she coached the girls' varsity tennis team last season.
The program she inherits is one left in turmoil after Bull's firing. Ball State missed two Fall tune-up tournaments without a coach, something Behrman has been well-aware of in the few practices she has directed this week.
"Their timing might be off a little bit, but they're working really hard," Behrman said. "Right now, we're just taking it one day at a time."
For the first time in a few seasons, Ball State has some experience to rely on as it heads into a new year of action.
Last season, the Cardinals played with just one senior and junior apiece, while eight freshmen and sophomores battled for time on the courts.
Ball State finished the season 5-14, and a winless 0-8 in Mid-American Conference play.
But just by looking at the stats of last season's Dayton match, Behrman expects a good day out of her new team on Saturday.
The Cardinals lost 4-3 to the Flyers, a team that finished 10-10 last season. Ball State also played the match without current junior Hayley Hall, who was nursing a bad back.
"Just based on last season with Dayton, we had a close 3-4 loss with them," Behrman said. "I think the match will be really competitive again."
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