Stumble It!Joanne P. McCallie was introduced to the Blue Devil Nation during a press conference today. The backdrop was Cameron Indoor Stadium, a venue that has played host to many memorable moments over the years.
It wasn't that long ago when the women's program was in it's infancy. Debbie Leonard had passed the torch to Gail Goestenkors and she proceeded to build Duke into a power.
At the time, there was no admission fee and it was festival seating. For me, it was an Ali Day shot at the buzzer which beat UNC that really started the ascent, but we all have our take on that.
Coach G commenced to lead Duke to title after title, recruiting the nations top players and assuring that the team was on the map to stay.
Well, things change and Gail left for Texas, wanting a new opportunity. It was shocking to some fans and in all honesty it created a bit of a divide among the fanbase.
That's not unusual considering she solidified the program and spoiled Duke fans with everything but a National Championship. There is part of me that wonders if that weight played a part in her leaving and you are sure to here hundreds of takes, rumors and truths around various water coolers.
There are those who thought she wasn't the right choice ... proud fans who were loyal to a fault and in Coach G's corner until the bitter end.
Despite the heartache of Gails departure, it is time to move on. It is time to embrace Joanne P. McCallie, who left Michigan State for Duke.
I am not going to get into talk of contracts and other issues that bother some fans. Instead, I would like to ask that the Blue Devil Nation back it's players and program if for no other reason than hoping Coach P keeps the train rolling.
It is certainly possible if not likely. I couldn't help but notice the picture of Coach G in the background while Joanne (Coach P)McCallie answered questions in the media room. It was symbolic of the pressure that she will face in the coming year.
Despite the pressure, I personally think she will succeed if given a chance. Her resume is strong and her enthusiasm was second to none as she took to the podium, flanked by AD Joe Alleva and Lindy Brown.
New Duke Women's Basketball Coach Joanne P. McCallie is introduced to fans and media!
There was a nice turnout for the event, which included all the Duke men's assistants, football Coach Ted Roof and well, a who's who of Duke University staff
Her family watched with obvious pride as she took what she has termed as her dream job. Of course, the team was there too and they sat with her husband, son and daughter.
I was all ready to do a piece which included a lot of quotes, but there are plenty of those around the net. Instead, I will simply say that she answered every question, including the tough ones in a more than satisfactory manner.
Many frezied message board posters had questioned her style of play, her recruiting habits, match up zone, etc. She had the answers, each question being addressed in a way that seemed both prepared and sincere.
It was clear that she wanted to build on Duke's success and what Coach G had established. It was clear she would adjust her coaching style to fit the athletic roster she takes over. It was clear that she would be a vital part of the community and that she was willing to burn the midnight oil until the daunting tasks ahead are done.
Coach P, as she is called, had already been in touch with recruits and had talked to the team. I can't say for sure if she won them all over but if body language meant anything, she did most of them, if not the entire group. In fact as the conference went on, you could literally see people relaxing.
She was quite bubbly, giving the crowd an infectious smile and offered many factoids that may be a surprise to some. Despite the smile you could see an underlying intensity that will surely come out.
I mean, this is a women that is admittedly patriotic In fact she will be going to Russia this summer in hopes of helping Team USA to Gold.
One could notice a tad of frustration as the media pounded away with questions like when will you actually be in Durham, will the USA team situation be a deterrent, when will you hit the recruiting trail ...
I couldn't help but think that it might take Wonder Women herself to accomplish all that she is expected to do. In fact I felt a bit sorry for her as questions continued. I thought to myself how hard it was going to be to cover a busy sports weekend at Duke, but that paled in comparison to what she had going on he plate.
I saw no signs of what hyper fear message board posters were talking about, yet I do understand concerns of fans who dearly love the program.
At one point, I thought some of that Italian fire might come out of her during questioning, but she took it in stride, as some media stopped just short pushing it a bit far. One thing is certain, Coach McCallie will no doubt sleep well this evening after today's whirlwind of events.
This fan will sleep better too. Make no mistake, I like Coach G. She gave me a ton of great basketball memories, but Coach P is capable of doing so too. The reality is that while she may seemingly fall short to Gail in some areas, she likely possesses better attributes in others.
She has focus and a vision and is willing to adjust her style of play, coaching or whatever is necessary to succeed. She is certainly capable of continuing the success and has many pieces in place with a young but talented roster.
I can't close my opinioned piece without mention of my appreciation for not only Abby Waner, but her sister Emily. They did all they could to keep the team together. They contacted recruits and told them to stay steadfast, because nothing had changed as Duke would aspire to be the very best.
That's the kind of teamwork that is needed. That's the kind of spirit that some fans need to gain. We need to be a family and act as one unified group. That doesn't mean we can't have our differences of opinion, but rest assured of this. Duke Women's Basketball will continue to win.
Yeah, I can hear some disparaging comments now, but those comments are lessening by the hour. The mere fact that she has Coach K's blessing is nice. In fact they had a 45 minute conversation in the process. Still, there is much more than just that.
Oh and while I am probably not the first to tell you, in case you haven't heard, her husband went to graduate school a UNC (boo!), but there is no doubt that he is now a Dukie.
Yep! Even Coach Dean Smith, the master of the evil empire had given her his blessings to Coach P in the past, but that's a tale for another day and for this story is about Duke.
So, the heck with all the quotes. This turned into an article about my feelings and let me make them clear. It'll be okay. Duke Women's Basketball is in capable hands and I look forward to the first home game next season where I will back the Blue Devil women to the bitter end.
No matter who the coach is, ole Watzone is true blue. But hear this and hear it now ... Coach Joanne P. McCallie is the coach and the Blue Devil Nation welcomes her.
Links -
Press Conference Photo Gallery Link
The gallery is best viewed by going to one picture and then hitting the slide show feature.
DWHoops -The webs top source for Duke women's basketball.
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