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All-Access: Who Is Carl?
May 03, 2017 | Softball
Ball State's Softball Ace Thriving in Her First Season at the Top
Muncie, Ind. -- Who is Carl? Â It's a refrain you might hear around the First Merchants Ballpark Complex from time to time. Â After all, there isn't a player on the Ball State softball roster by that name. Â There is, however, a Carolyn and she's come completely into her own during the 2017 season.
The Cardinals entered this season with only one pitcher holding experience at the Division-I level.  Even at that, Carolyn Wilmes held an 11-12 record and a 5.50 career ERA.  That was fine.  She wasn't really relied upon in her first two season of college, easily ceding the spotlight to seniors Kelsey Schifferdecker and Nicole Steinbach.  That duo dominated the MAC since their freshman years so it was easy for Wilmes to fade into the scenery and hide among those trees.  As a junior, however, the spotlight is on her...and she's thrived in it.
After an 0-6 start against some top flight competition, Wilmes has dominated over the last several months and has her team positioned strongly heading toward next week's Mid-American Conference Tournament.  All-Access explored what's behind the junior's breakout, including completely reworking her mechanics and finding a new well of confidence.
The Cardinals wrap up the regular season this weekend at Western Michigan before traveling to Akron, OH for the MAC Tournament next week. Â For more information fans can follow the team on social media @BallStateSports and @BallStateSB.
The Cardinals entered this season with only one pitcher holding experience at the Division-I level.  Even at that, Carolyn Wilmes held an 11-12 record and a 5.50 career ERA.  That was fine.  She wasn't really relied upon in her first two season of college, easily ceding the spotlight to seniors Kelsey Schifferdecker and Nicole Steinbach.  That duo dominated the MAC since their freshman years so it was easy for Wilmes to fade into the scenery and hide among those trees.  As a junior, however, the spotlight is on her...and she's thrived in it.
After an 0-6 start against some top flight competition, Wilmes has dominated over the last several months and has her team positioned strongly heading toward next week's Mid-American Conference Tournament.  All-Access explored what's behind the junior's breakout, including completely reworking her mechanics and finding a new well of confidence.
The Cardinals wrap up the regular season this weekend at Western Michigan before traveling to Akron, OH for the MAC Tournament next week. Â For more information fans can follow the team on social media @BallStateSports and @BallStateSB.
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