Air Force Formally Introduces Women's Basketball Coach
6/22/2001 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
June 22, 2001
USAF Academy, Colo. - Air Force Academy Director of Athletics Col. Randy Spetman formally introduced Ardie McInelly as the head coach of the Falcons' women's basketball program at a press conference Friday, June 22.
"Ardie is a tremendous coach with a winning attitude," Spetman said. "She brings with her a winning atmosphere. We are excited to have a proven winner come to the Academy."
Quotes from Ardie McInelly:
"I am very excited about this opportunity. I am happy to be here in Colorado Springs as part of the Air Force Academy. I am a big believer in the mission of the Academy. It is a great opportunity for my staff and I to work in a very prestigious setting like the Academy. We get to work with very bright individuals and hopefully make a positive impact on those individuals.
Everyone keeps telling me that we have a lot of challenges. Well, life is a challenge. I believe the type of energy you put into the challenges and the positive attitude that you have determines your success. I believe we will be successful here. We know they haven't had a lot of wins here lately, but that's why they hired us. You have to come in and recruit the best people possible, and hopefully those people will be great basketball players and great ambassadors for the Academy.
It's an opportunity for us to recruit throughout the United States. It's a lot of hard work, but if we are diligent enough, we will be able to find those players who will be successful here. Also, working in the Mountain West Conference is appealing. I am familiar with the Mountain West teams and I feel comfortable in this area.
We have another opportunity to take a program that hasn't been successful and to work hard to make it successful. The only way we can go is up. But there is still pressure. As a coach, you take pride in what you do. You instill pride within your players. And with that pride comes pressure, whether you are winning or losing - trying to maintain a program or build a program.
We have a lot to offer. We bring in high energy. We bring in extreme dedication. I have the greatest staff ever. I love their knowledge of the game and their dedication. I wouldn't have come here if I didn't have my staff in place. They are bright, intelligent coaches who will help us be successful."
