Ball State Gymnastics Adds To Talented Roster

Ball State gymnastics has added four student-athletes to an already talented roster. Victoria Henry, Hannah Ruthberg, Kelly Sulek and Marisol Perez-Banus will join the Cardinals in the fall of 2020.

"This class is going to bring in a lot of depth and high-level gymnastics to our program," head coach Joanna Saleem said. "They will immediately make a positive impact in all four events. I see them respecting the culture we have at Ball State and transitioning into the program easily. It is always exciting to have young women join us whose goals are aligned with what we are striving for."

Henry was a Junior Olympics Nationals qualifier where she placed 2nd on floor, 6^th on beam and tied for 3^rd in the all-around in 2019. She made the Junior Olympic National Team in 2019.

"Victoria is an outstanding young lady with a dedicated work ethic both in the gym and the classroom," Saleem said. "She will bring a quiet leadership to our team and will let her explosive and powerful gymnastics speak for itself. She was the first commitment to the 2020 class and she is top-notch in all four events. Our fans are going to love watching her dynamic vault and floor routines because she truly does fly. Victoria will bring lots of high-level competitive experience to our team. She truly understands how to compete under pressure."

Ruthberg, who missed her junior season due to injury, is a team captain on her Level 10 PBTC team and has scored 9.7 on vault and 9.675 on floor.

"Hannah comes from a gym that has a tradition of creating outstanding and confident young women who understand the strength of a team. She is such a fun-loving and determined spirit, you can't help but be infected by her positive and optimistic energy," Saleem said. "I am super excited that Hannah has chosen to join our program as her personal characteristics and work ethic will align easily with us at Ball State. I am looking forward to watching her gymnastics and academic career develop. She is a natural on beam and very exciting to watch on floor and vault. She swings well and has an undeniable confidence that is a pleasure to watch."

Saleem added: "She is an up-and-coming gymnast who is also a brilliant student and leader in her gym. While last season she had an unforeseen setback to her competition season, she has come back stronger and better than ever. I am truly looking forward to the many accomplishments in this young lady's future."

Sulek was a Level 9 Eastern Nationals qualifier and has a score of 9.700 on vault and 9.650 on bars. She twice placed in the top 5 at the Ohio Gymnastics State Championships and also excels off the competition floor. She won her school's Outstanding Student Award as a freshman and has been student of the month and a Rotary Student of the Month.

"Kelly is going to fit into our family so perfectly. This young woman has an amazing personality and her energy is unbeatable," Saleem said. "Each interaction with her reinforces the quality addition she will be. She understands teamwork and leadership and just loves doing gymnastics. Each time you watch her train she does so with a competitive focus, while also being able to laugh and have fun. She comes from a program that has a history of producing successful collegiate gymnasts and I see her making an immediate and consistent impact on bars and beam. I can't wait to have her here in the fall."

Perez-Banus, a native of Chile who is currently competing in Ohio, rounds out the group. She recently competed as an international elite at the Pan American games in Peru for Chile this past summer. She was a bars finalist at the South American Games in 2010 and was on Team Chile for the Pre-Panamerican Games. She placed third in all-around at Chilean Nationals in 2018 and third on the bars in the World Challenge Cup in Turkey. She's also been a finalist in the Odesur Games and South American Games in recent years.

"I am looking forward to having Marisol join our Cardinal family. Her sister Marimar is currently a freshman on the team, and we couldn't be happier that we will be with both of them next season," Saleem said. "She has extensive competition experience and a beautiful approach to the way she performs on bars and beam. She has a grace and elegance that draws you in to her routines. The diligence and dedication she uses in her approach to academics and athletics has given her much success. I love the diverse background and world experiences she will bring to our program."

After a season that featured 10 wins and three NCAA Regional qualifiers, Ball State gymnastics will return with its Red & White instraquad meet Sunday, Dec. 8. The season opener is January 11 at Iowa and the home opener is January 26 at Worthen Arena.

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