Speaking from Experience

All three of the women’s basketball coaching assistants played for Ball State.

All roads lead home. Made up entirely of alumni, the Ball State women’s basketball assistant coaching staff signifies that theme and more.

Audrey McDonald-Spencer, ’10, Jauwan Scaife, ’11 MS ’13, and Moriah Monaco, ’18, all played for the Cardinals and understand the culture surrounding one of the University’s most successful programs.

“I believe having a staff made up entirely of Ball State alums is truly priceless,” said 11th-year head coach Brady Sallee. “When they explain how special this University is, they are speaking from experience.”

Ms. McDonald-Spencer is the longest-tenured assistant coach at seven years. She was a key member of the 2008-09 Cardinals team that finished with a 26-9 record and shocked powerhouse Tennessee, 71-55, in the NCAA Tournament—one of the most significant victories in the history of Ball State Athletics.

“I will sometimes talk to recruits about that Tennessee game, but I stress to them that actions speak louder than words,” Ms. McDonald-Spencer said. “Our goal each year is to make it back to the NCAA Tournament, and I am honored that I can speak from experience because there’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”

Mr. Scaife is in his first year as an assistant coach. He played for the Ball State men’s team from 2009-13 and was a Second-Team All-MAC selection as a senior.

“I’m a Muncie Central grad and have walked the same sidewalks that my prospective recruits would walk,” Mr. Scaife said. “My prospects see the love I have for Ball State and appreciate what I was able to accomplish here.”

Ms. Monaco, now in her second year as an assistant coach, was a two-time all-conference honoree at Ball State from 2015-18 and played in 126 games.

“All of the assistant coaches have a unique perspective to bring to the table, and mine is that I actually played for Coach Sallee,” Ms. Monaco said. “Coach Sallee makes you a better player and a better person, and when you combine that with my love for Ball State, I can deliver a compelling message to our prospective players.”