MUNCIE, Ind. — There's something special happening in Muncie, Indiana. Ball State women's basketball is making history with each and every game that passes.
In the midst of its longest winning streak in program history, the Cardinals are 18-2 and eyeing an NCAA Tournament appearance for the first time since 2009.
Coming off a 26-win season, Brady Sallee and Ball State knew they were close. This season, they've proven that and then some. Two wins over power five schools and just two losses all year—both to top 15 teams (Notre Dame and UConn).
"I think one thing that we're very, very confident about here is because of our non-conference schedule," Sallee said. "We challenged ourselves, and we know who we are. Those adversities teach you a lot of lessons. We feel very comfortable in our own skin so to speak. It's very little about me and a lot about our players we have here."
"We have a good mindset about it and are just trusting the process," junior guard and Brownsburg High School alum Ally Becki said. "IU, Purdue, and Notre Dame are always really good. Being able to compete at their level is meaningful."
Ball State has won 12 games in a row, which is a program record. The Cardinals are also a perfect 8-0 in the MAC, which is tied for the best league start in school history. Receiving votes in the latest top 25 coaches poll, Ball State is in the midst of one of its best seasons ever.
"Maybe one of the reasons we've been able to put together the streak that we have is we just look at 12 wins one at a time, so it doesn't become overwhelming or something bigger than what it really is," Sallee said. "That's really the approach we've taken. I don't think it will get too big for this group, no matter where it goes. I've appreciated and enjoyed this group. They're fun to coach."
That ultimate destination? The NCAA Tournament. It would be the first appearance in Sallee's tenure and the program's first trip in 15 years.
"These past couple years, we've been close, but just haven't been able to finish it off," Becki said. "We're always striving to get as far as we can."
"In our program, it's the elephant in the room. It's the one thing we haven't broken through and gotten to," Sallee said. "We talked about it early before the season started. We understand what we have to do, then we go get it. It's been like that the last couple years. We've been good enough but haven't gotten over the hump. These kids deserve to play on that stage. So, I'm going to work like the Dickens to make sure it happens, and I know they're putting in the time and the work to make it happen as well."
Twenty-six wins is the most Ball State women's basketball has ever achieved. This season, they're looking to roll past that record and beyond—setting new records, standards and expectations along the way.