Over The Pylon

Let it not be said that Ball State reserves its bad news for Friday afternoon and a take out the trash news dump kind of situation, as it was announced on Monday that Sally Northcroft, Cardinal alum and current head coach of the field hockey program has resigned from that post.

“After giving careful personal and professional consideration to my future, I have made the decision to return to Australia,” Northcroft said. “I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to coach at my alma mater. It has been an honor to be entrusted with this role and I am extremely grateful to have been able to coach, educate, mentor and motivate this exceptional group of young women.”

A two-time first team All-American for the Cardinals as a student-athlete from 1996-1999, Northcroft helped the program accumulate a 64-21 record over her playing career, including a 42-4 mark in Mid-American Conference play. Northcroft ended her playing career as the MAC’s all-time leader in both goals scored (126) and career points (270).

As a senior, Northcroft led the nation in goals scored (52), total points (107) and scoring average (5.09), with her 52 goals still ranking third on the NCAA Division I single-season goals chart. The Harare, Zimbabwe native was inducted into the Ball State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2010 and the MAC Hall of Fame in 2014.

In 41 years as an intercollegiate sport, the Ball State field hockey program and its student-athletes have collected 16 MAC regular season championships, 10 MAC Tournament titles, 10 MAC Coach of the Year awards, seven MAC Player of the Year honors and five MAC Freshman of the Year accolades. The program has also produced more All-America selections than any other MAC program with 18, and has made four appearances in the NCAA Tournament.

“The field hockey team has worked so incredibly hard this year and I believe it is in a better place to now become a legitimate contender in the Mid-American Conference and beyond,” Northcroft added.

Northcroft was hired to the position in February of this year and steps down after just 9 months on the job. I’d say her 2-16 (0-6 MAC) record had more than a little to do with this shift. So there’s that. Safe travels and enjoy the shrimps and their barbies.

Filed under: BallStateFieldHockey, Coaches |