Sunday, March 5
Muncie, Ind.
1:00 PM EST
Ball State University
vs
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Western Michigan University
Photo by: Ball State Athletics
The Cardinals Celebrate Five Seniors Sunday Against Western Michigan
March 01, 2017 | Gymnastics
The Ball State gymnastics team will honor its 2017 senior class following its meet against Western Michigan Sunday, Mar. 5 at 1 p.m. EST in Worthen Arena. This year's seniors are Shelby Arms, Kayla Beckler, Sarah Ebeyer, Miranda Kuehl and Jala Washington. This group of Cardinals aided the team in its second place finish last year at the Mid-American Conference Championships. After the Cardinals success at MAC, Kayla Beckler and Sarah Ebeyer advanced as individuals to the NCAA regional competition in Iowa City, Iowa.
Below the five seniors reflect on their time as Cardinals, while Saleem and their teammates also provide affirmation on each individual.
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Shelby Arms
Arms on her time at Ball State:
"My time at Ball State has truly been an experience I will cherish forever. I came to Muncie 4 years ago expecting to do gymnastics and school but I got so much more than that. I was given a family of people who care and support me in every aspect of my life, an education experience that will give me opportunities and knowledge to take me anywhere I can dream of. I am so proud to have competed for the cardinals the last 4 years and I will always be Born and Bred, Cardinal Red!"
Head Coach Saleem on Arms:
"Shelby is a phenomenal young women who came into this program with a lot of room to grow. She is a determined individual who has worked hard to improve herself and her gymnastics throughout her four years here. I'm so happy to have been able to coach her and see the young lady she has become."
Junior Clare Collins on Arms:
"I've always admired her hard work and dedication to just bettering herself inside the gym every single day. One thing I'll miss about Shelby is that she's always is that person I can look to for a good laugh and a positive conversation on a bad day."
Sophomore Sydney Finke on Arms:
"Shelby has been my big sis for the past two years. I look up to Shelby as I am coming into my role on this team because her hard work pushes me to do better in the gym."
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Ebeyer on her time at Ball State:
"It's incredible how much you learn about yourself, your sport and the world throughout your athletic journey. Being an athlete at Ball State has taught me a multitude of lessons that will carry me throughout life beyond the competition floor. Gymnastics taught me to be resilient, not to fear failure, to work hard and never give up. The strange thing was that the sport I love so much taught me more about life than I could have ever imagined. Being a gymnast at Ball State has impacted my life in the best way possible and has guided me through a journey of self-discovery. Reflecting on the past four years, I have realized how much gymnastics has truly affected my life. In fact, I consider it more of a chosen lifestyle than just a sport. Gymnastics will continue to impact my life as I look forward to using the skills I have learned and applying them to my career. I am incredibly grateful for all of the opportunities I have been given and am excited to see what the future holds. Being a student athlete was the toughest challenge I have ever experienced, but without those challenges, I don't know if I would be where I am today. The constant balance between school, gymnastics and a social life taught me how to prioritize, work fast and enjoy the people around me."
Head Coach Saleem on Ebeyer:
"Sarah has been the team's biggest advocate as well as a main contributor on the competition floor. Sarah not only a talented gymnast but she also has become the unofficial spokes person for this program. The amount of passion and drive she is able to communicate to the media and recruits is truly inspiring and has helped develop a stronger presence for Ball State gymnastics."
Junior Jackie Duffy on Ebeyer:
"Sarah has impacted my time here at Ball State by showing me what it means to be a passionate person in every aspect of my life. Her influence has really made me want to become as driven and hardworking as she is inside and outside of the gym."
Sophomore Kaitlyn Menzione on Ebeyer:
"Sarah has impacted me the most out of all the seniors. She is my big sister this year and is someone that always gives me great advice, encourages me on my events and listens to my problems. The biggest thing Sarah has taught me these past two years is to not dwell on a bad day or a bad routine, but to let it go and look to the positives."
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Miranda Kuehl
Kuehl on her time at Ball State:
"Ball State gymnastics has impacted my college in a way that I didn't know it could. When I was young all I ever wanted to do was college gymnastics. From the moment that I stepped onto Ball States campus and met the team I knew that this is the place that I would call home. Ball State gymnastics has given me more opportunities than I would have ever received; allowing me to be involved in the community and meet so many new people. It has given me a great education that will be the foundation to my future along with the opportunity to be studying aboard in the fall. It taught me to get out of my comfort zone and try new things. Ball State gymnastics has allowed me to step into more of a leadership role through the expansion of my leadership abilities by being captain for two years. The experiences and memories that I have created here at Ball State and through gymnastics will stay with me forever and I will always be grateful for what impact they played in my life."
Head Coach Saleem on Kuehl:
"Miranda is my strong leader, she challenges her teammates to be the best they can be and doesn't let anyone fall behind athletically or mentally. Ever since Miranda's freshman year she has cared and shown compassion for her teammates and I think that is a very admirable quality, and another reason why she has been a great team captain."
Junior Jillian Hacker on Kuehl:
"Miranda has been that best friend that I have always needed and she is always that person I know I can go to no matter what. I don't know what I would've done without her these past three years."
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Sophomore Madison Howell on Kuehl:
"Miranda has impacted me in so many ways throughout being with her for two years. Being able to train bars with her and get to know her on a personal level, I've learned that she is so dedicated and she pushes me to not only hit my routines but also to strive for that perfect performance."
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Jala Washington
Washington on her time at Ball State:
"My time at Ball State has been nothing short of an adventure. An incredible journey filled with mostly ups and some downs, has molded me into who I am today. When I look back at the quirky girl that came into college with big dreams but no idea how to accomplish any of them, the growth that I've made is incredible. And while I may still have my quirky ways, the life lessons learned from being a student-athlete at Ball State have gotten me closer to achieving my dreams. I've grown to love/trust the process because by doing so, the end result is priceless. Nothing worth having comes easy, and I'm so blessed to have been part of a program that has grown with me. I've pushed myself, and been pushed to limits that I didn't know were possible. This is a lesson I will take with me as I embark on a new journey after college. I would not change one thing about my experience at Ball State, and I'm forever grateful for all of the incredible opportunities I've been presented with."
Head Coach Saleem on Washington:
"Jala never stops working to improve, she strives for perfection inside and outside the gym. Anytime she's presented with a challenge she rises up and proves to herself and her teammates that anything is possible to overcome."
Junior Baylee Bell on Washington:
"I think Jala has impacted me by being that person that I can always go to with anything whether it's inside or outside the gym. She always pushes me to do my best and she always lightens the mood with her funny personality."
Junior Jordyn Penny on Washington:
"Jala has influenced my time at Ball State because she has always been the person I can go to with anything. From the moment I got here she has always been the person I can count on."
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During this Sunday's competition against Western Michigan fans will be able to enjoy promotions like face painting, a balloon artist, a bounce house and a Ball State gymnastics give away of Cardinal head tattoos to every child in attendance.
The Ball State Cardinals look ahead to Western Michigan to compete in a tri-meet with UIC Tuesday, Mar. 7 at 7 p.m. EST in Kalamazoo, Mich.
For more news on Ball State gymnastics, follow @BallStateSports, @BallStateGym, and @CoachSaleem on Twitter.
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"I have a special place in my heart for this senior class," head coach Joanna Saleem said. "They were freshman when I started coaching here, so in a way we have started our Ball State journey together. This class has done a wonderful job at embracing change and adapting to the ever-increasing goals and standards set before them. This class will truly be missed by our coaching staff and teammates."
Below the five seniors reflect on their time as Cardinals, while Saleem and their teammates also provide affirmation on each individual.
Â
Shelby Arms
Arms on her time at Ball State:
"My time at Ball State has truly been an experience I will cherish forever. I came to Muncie 4 years ago expecting to do gymnastics and school but I got so much more than that. I was given a family of people who care and support me in every aspect of my life, an education experience that will give me opportunities and knowledge to take me anywhere I can dream of. I am so proud to have competed for the cardinals the last 4 years and I will always be Born and Bred, Cardinal Red!"
Head Coach Saleem on Arms:
"Shelby is a phenomenal young women who came into this program with a lot of room to grow. She is a determined individual who has worked hard to improve herself and her gymnastics throughout her four years here. I'm so happy to have been able to coach her and see the young lady she has become."
Junior Clare Collins on Arms:
"I've always admired her hard work and dedication to just bettering herself inside the gym every single day. One thing I'll miss about Shelby is that she's always is that person I can look to for a good laugh and a positive conversation on a bad day."
Sophomore Sydney Finke on Arms:
"Shelby has been my big sis for the past two years. I look up to Shelby as I am coming into my role on this team because her hard work pushes me to do better in the gym."
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Beckler on her time at Ball State:
"Ball State Gymnastics has given me an experience that has been hard to put into words. But being a part of this team and being able to compete for this University has given me the opportunity to fall in love with the sport over again. As an athlete, you experience college differently than most students. Being a gymnast here is hard work, but I wouldn't have traded it for the world. You live your college experience for the weekends. You live for the opportunity to put on that competition leo, get glittered up, put the cardinal tattoo on your right cheek and compete next to some of your best friends under the arena lights every weekend. My teammates have become family and have shared experiences and memories with me that I will never forget. I will forever be thankful for this team, sport and University."
Head Coach Saleem on Beckler:
"Kayla Beckler has never been the gymnast to give up. She has had to overcome a lot of adversity during her time here at Ball State. Beckler has always worked hard to reach the goals and standards of the team year to year and I think this year especially Kayla is really committed to putting forth her best effort on the competition floor."
Sophomore Kaitlyn Menzione on Beckler:
"Kayla has impacted me a lot. Freshman year she took me under her wing and was someone I can look up to in regards of becoming an all-around gymnast. She helped coach and encourage me to become the gymnast that could eventually go on and do big things for this program."
Freshman Bri Slonim on Beckler:
"Kayla has always helped me to stay positive. She always gives me little corrections to make me a better gymnast. She knows exactly what to say to lighten the mood on a frustrating day."
"Ball State Gymnastics has given me an experience that has been hard to put into words. But being a part of this team and being able to compete for this University has given me the opportunity to fall in love with the sport over again. As an athlete, you experience college differently than most students. Being a gymnast here is hard work, but I wouldn't have traded it for the world. You live your college experience for the weekends. You live for the opportunity to put on that competition leo, get glittered up, put the cardinal tattoo on your right cheek and compete next to some of your best friends under the arena lights every weekend. My teammates have become family and have shared experiences and memories with me that I will never forget. I will forever be thankful for this team, sport and University."
Head Coach Saleem on Beckler:
"Kayla Beckler has never been the gymnast to give up. She has had to overcome a lot of adversity during her time here at Ball State. Beckler has always worked hard to reach the goals and standards of the team year to year and I think this year especially Kayla is really committed to putting forth her best effort on the competition floor."
Sophomore Kaitlyn Menzione on Beckler:
"Kayla has impacted me a lot. Freshman year she took me under her wing and was someone I can look up to in regards of becoming an all-around gymnast. She helped coach and encourage me to become the gymnast that could eventually go on and do big things for this program."
Freshman Bri Slonim on Beckler:
"Kayla has always helped me to stay positive. She always gives me little corrections to make me a better gymnast. She knows exactly what to say to lighten the mood on a frustrating day."
Â
Sarah EbeyerEbeyer on her time at Ball State:
"It's incredible how much you learn about yourself, your sport and the world throughout your athletic journey. Being an athlete at Ball State has taught me a multitude of lessons that will carry me throughout life beyond the competition floor. Gymnastics taught me to be resilient, not to fear failure, to work hard and never give up. The strange thing was that the sport I love so much taught me more about life than I could have ever imagined. Being a gymnast at Ball State has impacted my life in the best way possible and has guided me through a journey of self-discovery. Reflecting on the past four years, I have realized how much gymnastics has truly affected my life. In fact, I consider it more of a chosen lifestyle than just a sport. Gymnastics will continue to impact my life as I look forward to using the skills I have learned and applying them to my career. I am incredibly grateful for all of the opportunities I have been given and am excited to see what the future holds. Being a student athlete was the toughest challenge I have ever experienced, but without those challenges, I don't know if I would be where I am today. The constant balance between school, gymnastics and a social life taught me how to prioritize, work fast and enjoy the people around me."
Head Coach Saleem on Ebeyer:
"Sarah has been the team's biggest advocate as well as a main contributor on the competition floor. Sarah not only a talented gymnast but she also has become the unofficial spokes person for this program. The amount of passion and drive she is able to communicate to the media and recruits is truly inspiring and has helped develop a stronger presence for Ball State gymnastics."
Junior Jackie Duffy on Ebeyer:
"Sarah has impacted my time here at Ball State by showing me what it means to be a passionate person in every aspect of my life. Her influence has really made me want to become as driven and hardworking as she is inside and outside of the gym."
Sophomore Kaitlyn Menzione on Ebeyer:
"Sarah has impacted me the most out of all the seniors. She is my big sister this year and is someone that always gives me great advice, encourages me on my events and listens to my problems. The biggest thing Sarah has taught me these past two years is to not dwell on a bad day or a bad routine, but to let it go and look to the positives."
Â
Miranda Kuehl
Kuehl on her time at Ball State:
"Ball State gymnastics has impacted my college in a way that I didn't know it could. When I was young all I ever wanted to do was college gymnastics. From the moment that I stepped onto Ball States campus and met the team I knew that this is the place that I would call home. Ball State gymnastics has given me more opportunities than I would have ever received; allowing me to be involved in the community and meet so many new people. It has given me a great education that will be the foundation to my future along with the opportunity to be studying aboard in the fall. It taught me to get out of my comfort zone and try new things. Ball State gymnastics has allowed me to step into more of a leadership role through the expansion of my leadership abilities by being captain for two years. The experiences and memories that I have created here at Ball State and through gymnastics will stay with me forever and I will always be grateful for what impact they played in my life."
Head Coach Saleem on Kuehl:
"Miranda is my strong leader, she challenges her teammates to be the best they can be and doesn't let anyone fall behind athletically or mentally. Ever since Miranda's freshman year she has cared and shown compassion for her teammates and I think that is a very admirable quality, and another reason why she has been a great team captain."
Junior Jillian Hacker on Kuehl:
"Miranda has been that best friend that I have always needed and she is always that person I know I can go to no matter what. I don't know what I would've done without her these past three years."
Â
Sophomore Madison Howell on Kuehl:
"Miranda has impacted me in so many ways throughout being with her for two years. Being able to train bars with her and get to know her on a personal level, I've learned that she is so dedicated and she pushes me to not only hit my routines but also to strive for that perfect performance."
Â
Jala Washington
Washington on her time at Ball State:
"My time at Ball State has been nothing short of an adventure. An incredible journey filled with mostly ups and some downs, has molded me into who I am today. When I look back at the quirky girl that came into college with big dreams but no idea how to accomplish any of them, the growth that I've made is incredible. And while I may still have my quirky ways, the life lessons learned from being a student-athlete at Ball State have gotten me closer to achieving my dreams. I've grown to love/trust the process because by doing so, the end result is priceless. Nothing worth having comes easy, and I'm so blessed to have been part of a program that has grown with me. I've pushed myself, and been pushed to limits that I didn't know were possible. This is a lesson I will take with me as I embark on a new journey after college. I would not change one thing about my experience at Ball State, and I'm forever grateful for all of the incredible opportunities I've been presented with."
Head Coach Saleem on Washington:
"Jala never stops working to improve, she strives for perfection inside and outside the gym. Anytime she's presented with a challenge she rises up and proves to herself and her teammates that anything is possible to overcome."
Junior Baylee Bell on Washington:
"I think Jala has impacted me by being that person that I can always go to with anything whether it's inside or outside the gym. She always pushes me to do my best and she always lightens the mood with her funny personality."
Junior Jordyn Penny on Washington:
"Jala has influenced my time at Ball State because she has always been the person I can go to with anything. From the moment I got here she has always been the person I can count on."
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During this Sunday's competition against Western Michigan fans will be able to enjoy promotions like face painting, a balloon artist, a bounce house and a Ball State gymnastics give away of Cardinal head tattoos to every child in attendance.
"I know that all of these seniors have learned some incredible lessons and have had some great growth throughout their four years as Cardinals," Saleem stated. "They have helped build the legacy of this program and I believe that they can accomplish anything they set their minds to. I'm excited to continue to follow them and connect with them as Alumni."
The Ball State Cardinals look ahead to Western Michigan to compete in a tri-meet with UIC Tuesday, Mar. 7 at 7 p.m. EST in Kalamazoo, Mich.
For more news on Ball State gymnastics, follow @BallStateSports, @BallStateGym, and @CoachSaleem on Twitter.
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Players Mentioned
F, V
/ Gymnastics
AA
/ Gymnastics
BB, FX
/ Gymnastics
AA
/ Gymnastics
BB
/ Gymnastics
V,BB,FX
/ Gymnastics
AA
/ Gymnastics
V,B,F
/ Gymnastics
AA
/ Gymnastics
UB,BB,FX
/ Gymnastics
AA
/ Gymnastics
AA
/ Gymnastics
AA
/ Gymnastics
V,BB,FX
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