Ball State University Athletics
Field Hockey
Sally Northcroft
- Title:
- Head Coach
- Phone:
- 765-285-8151
Click here for Northcroft's Ball State Athletics Hall of Fame bio!
Sally Northcroft, a two-time First Team Academic All-American for the Cardinals in the 1990s, returned to Ball State this February as the seventh head coach in program history.
A native of Harare, Zimbabwe, Northcroft has accumulated more than 14 years of experience in coaching and administration, including experience as an assistant coach at both Ball State and James Madison. Most recently, Northcroft served as athletic director and field hockey coach at Brisbane Girls Grammar School in Australia for the past four years.
“We are pleased to announce the hiring of Sally Northcroft as our head field hockey coach,” said Pat Quinn, deputy athletics director and search committee leader. “Sally knows and understands our program and is an integral part of our rich field hockey tradition. She will provide excellent leadership and will serve as a solid role model and example for our student-athletes.”
Northcroft finished her four-year playing career for Ball State in 1999 as the Mid-American Conference leader in career goals (126) and career points (270). She led the nation in her senior year in goals scored (52), total points (107) and scoring average (5.09), and her 52 goals set the national single-season record.
Northcroft helped the Cardinals to a 64-21 overall record, including a 42-4 conference record, and four MAC championships while playing for coach Karen Fitzpatrick. She was inducted into the Ball State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2010 and the MAC Hall of Fame in 2014.
“How good is it to return to your alma mater to coach; there are not a lot of people who have that opportunity,” Northcroft said. “It is such a huge honor and such a huge responsibility. Having Karen Fitzpatrick as a mentor puts the standard really high, and I’m happy to strive for that level. I think the significant leadership positions I have held during my time in Australia have really given me the layers I need to do the best possible job I can.”
Sally Northcroft, a two-time First Team Academic All-American for the Cardinals in the 1990s, returned to Ball State this February as the seventh head coach in program history.
A native of Harare, Zimbabwe, Northcroft has accumulated more than 14 years of experience in coaching and administration, including experience as an assistant coach at both Ball State and James Madison. Most recently, Northcroft served as athletic director and field hockey coach at Brisbane Girls Grammar School in Australia for the past four years.
“We are pleased to announce the hiring of Sally Northcroft as our head field hockey coach,” said Pat Quinn, deputy athletics director and search committee leader. “Sally knows and understands our program and is an integral part of our rich field hockey tradition. She will provide excellent leadership and will serve as a solid role model and example for our student-athletes.”
Northcroft finished her four-year playing career for Ball State in 1999 as the Mid-American Conference leader in career goals (126) and career points (270). She led the nation in her senior year in goals scored (52), total points (107) and scoring average (5.09), and her 52 goals set the national single-season record.
Northcroft helped the Cardinals to a 64-21 overall record, including a 42-4 conference record, and four MAC championships while playing for coach Karen Fitzpatrick. She was inducted into the Ball State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2010 and the MAC Hall of Fame in 2014.
“How good is it to return to your alma mater to coach; there are not a lot of people who have that opportunity,” Northcroft said. “It is such a huge honor and such a huge responsibility. Having Karen Fitzpatrick as a mentor puts the standard really high, and I’m happy to strive for that level. I think the significant leadership positions I have held during my time in Australia have really given me the layers I need to do the best possible job I can.”
Sports Link: National Girls and Women in Sports Day
Wednesday, February 25
Celebrating National Girls and Women in Sports Day // Produced by Ball State Sports Link
Wednesday, February 04
Sports Link: International Student Athlete Day
Monday, November 17
Heart of the Cardinal Podcast // Julia Verratti of Field Hockey
Wednesday, October 29
