McDonald Leaves WBB To Pursue A Different Career Path

MUNCIE, Ind. - Lisa McDonald, the associate head women's basketball coach at Ball State, has announced her decision to leave the women's basketball program to pursue other professional opportunities in her hometown of Flagstaff, Ariz.

"I have absolutely treasured the past nine years at Ball State and am so thankful for the amazing people and student-athletes I have been able to work with," said McDonald. "I've been blessed with so many awesome experiences and opportunities.  Through much prayer and consideration I have evaluated my priorities decided that the next step in my journey will be to take advantage of the opportunity I have to spend precious time with my family.  I leave Ball State with nothing but joy and wonderful memories and want to thank everyone involved in Ball State athletics and the community for this great experience."

McDonald has been a member of the Ball State staff for the past nine years, including spending part of the 2007-08 campaign as the interim head coach.  She helped the Cardinals to the most successful season in school history in 2008-09 when the Cardinals won the Mid-American Conference Championship and the school's first ever berth in the NCAA Tournament.  In 2008-09, Ball State tallied a 26-9 overall record, won the MAC with a 14-2 mark and defeated Tennessee 71-55 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.  In her nine seasons, Ball State won the school's first MAC Championship, five MAC West Division titles and appeared in the Women's National Invitation Tournament three times.

"Lisa McDonald's investment in Ball State University women's basketball has been of substantial impact," said Ball State head women's basketball coach Kelly Packard. "She has worked tirelessly and passionately for nearly a decade on the program's behalf. As she moves forward to pursue her interest in fitness and wellness, her passion, will once again prove a foundation for success."