BOISE -- Just over a month removed from the most successful season in program history, the Boise State softball team will have to find a new head coach to lead the program into the future.
The vacancy became public on Wednesday, when the University of Central Florida introduced Cindy Ball as their new softball coach.
"We're very excited to bring a coach of Cindy Ball's caliber to UCF," said Daniel White, who is the Director of Athletics for the Knights. "With her success as a head coach, making postseason appearances in each of the last two seasons, and a long history of coaching and playing experience, we knew she was the best person for the job."
Ball told KTVB that UCF first reached out to her with an offer approximately two weeks ago, but she declined, noting how much she enjoyed living in Boise.
"I was kind of torn because UCF is an amazing place and they have great people," she added, "but at the same time I had a very good life in Boise."
That did not discourage White from reaching out again last week. His new approach was so appealing that Ball decided to fly down to Florida to take a closer look at the program.
"They called me again with an offer that was a pretty good offer," recalled Ball.
According to the Intercollegiate Athletics Compensation Report provided by the Idaho State Board of Education, Ball made a base salary of $72,884 during 2018 fiscal year.
Ball did not go into detail about the deal that lured here away before Boise State, but she did praise the efforts of Bronco athletic director Curt Aspey before adding that UCF provided her family with a good opportunity.
"They operate at such a big time level," said Ball of Boise State, "but it was very appealing to me to go and work at UCF."
When Ball took over at Boise State four years ago, the Broncos won just 14 games and finished in last place in the Mountain West in her inaugural season.
Just his past spring, Boise State established a program-record with 40 wins. They also went to the NCAA National Softball Tournament for the first time ever and led the country with a .354 team batting average.
"The main thing that made me pause when making this decision was the team," said Ball about her former players at Boise State. "They are and have been my family for the last four years. But they're great and I know they're going to be great.
"They were a huge part too," continue an emotional Ball, addressing the player's families. "They've been super supportive and everything. I want to thank them for allowing me to work with their daughters and all the support they've given us."
As the search begins for Ball's replacement at Boise State, whoever does take over will inherit a talented roster. The Broncos return five players that posted a .351 batting average or better while appearing in at least 51 games. They also added Cal-transfer Bradie Fillmore, who hit .272 and ranked second on the Bears with five home runs in 2018.