Rachel McGovern: Hey there Bengal fans, I am Rachel McGovern. Today I’m really excited to be joined by Ardie McInelly. Ardie was the head coach of ISU’s Women’s Basketball team from 1996 to 2001 and it’s fair to say that she achieved legendary status during her time here. In her final year, she led an undefeated team to the program’s first ever NCAA tournament bid.
This interview means a lot to me because I was actually apart of Ardie’s dynasty. In fact, I was the shortest contributor to the team but that's only because I was a toddler. At the time, my mom was the Athletic Trainer for the team, and so I was brought along to every practice and game. Last year, when the Bengal’s successfully made it back to the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2001, a side by side of the two teams was circulating online. If you look carefully at the 2001 photo, you’ll be able to see me, the tiny red headed toddler clutching the trophy.
Our conversation explores Ardie's highlights from ISU, her career, and her thoughts on Title IX.