On March 21, 2018, Indianapolis native Vicki Hall was named the new Head Women’s Basketball Coach, returning to the state where she was voted 1988 “Miss Basketball”. Hall had spent the previous six seasons as the Associate Head Coach at the University of Toledo, helping lead the Rockets to an average of 20 wins per season. A decorated player at the University of Texas, Hall would go on to play in the WNBA and internationally for 16 years before entering the coaching ranks.
Can you take us through the process up until and your emotion once you were officially named the new Head Coach at Indiana State?
It was overwhelming. At first, you are elated because this is what you have worked for so long. Then, reality of all the responsibility started to set in. Letting the former staff go. Meeting the players. Watching film of what you have. Getting to know the in’s and outs of the athletic department. Being bombarded with calls. Recruiting.
What qualities were important to you in putting together your first coaching staff?
Work ethic, loyalty, knowledge, organized, and detail-oriented.
What responsibilities did Coach Cullop provide you at Toledo to help prepare for your current role?
Tricia was great. In the six years I spent with her, she had me doing a little bit of everything, including recruiting, budget, fundraising, X and O’s, staff management, scheduling, and much more. That got me prepared.
After your first few months as a first-time DI Head Coach, what advice do you have for other assistant coaches who desire to become a DI Head Coach?
Surround yourself with people you trust. People that are “all in” and ready to work. Managing all the personalities was one of the hardest things for me.Trusting to delegate things is “huge”.
Finally, understand what you have on your team, and put forward the plan that will help them succeed. You may not get to run exactly what you like during your first couple years, but you can recruit for that.