Now things get hard for her. 

In the 2005 season, McCallie ran smack into what she described as self-satisfaction among her players.  They were very proud of their accomplishments and their work ethic suffered.  This is not a sign of bad character or even a surprise.  In fact, it was almost predictable.  It’s one of the reasons why it is harder to repeat as champions than it is to win initially. 

McCallie’s job is now two-fold.  First she must recruit players to replace the four players who keyed her run to the top.  In the past few seasons, she has recruited a number of players who brought impressive resumes.  For the most part, these players have not had a major impact on the MSU program.  These players have not necessarily had the opportunity to step in and contribute but they will now.  Liz Shimek, Lindsay Bowen, Kristen Haynie and Kelly Roehrig are all gone.  Minutes, and more importantly, opportunity, will be available for players who have not been counted on before.  McCallie, and her staff of course, will have to develop those players and bring in others who can have a significant impact in the conference.   

Secondly, she has to maintain both her team’s confidence and their hunger.  Her 2005 team struggled with complacency, but had regained their focus by season’s end.  In her time at MSU, McCallie has established a program where the players take pride in a blue-collar work ethic and routinely outwork their opponents.  She will have to push the right buttons to maintain that intensity.  She had done that by the end of the 2005 season.