Ball State University Athletics
Men’s Volleyball Announces Newest Recruiting Class
December 13, 2019 | Men's Volleyball
MUNCIE, Ind. – As the Ball State men's volleyball team gears up for the 2020 campaign in less than a month, head coach Joel Walton has announced the team's latest recruiting class.
Starting in 2021, the Cardinals will add Trevor Phillips, Mark Wickstrom and Dyer Ball to the roster. Below is information on each athlete along with thoughts from coach Walton.
Trevor Phillips – Davidson, North Carolina
A 6'6" outside hitter from Cox Mill High School, Phillips played club volleyball due there being no high school men's volleyball in North Carolina. Phillips gained experience with Carolina Union Volleyball Club where he led his team to a first place finish at Battle of the Bros, second place finish at the East Coast Championships and third at the Denis Lafata Championships and Florida Fest 2019. Phillips has a history of college volleyball in his family with his sister playing at Mars Hill University and his mother at Arkansas State University. Carolina Union is the same club that current Cardinal Kaleb Jenness played for. Jenness was named to the All-MIVA Freshman Team in 2019.
Why Phillips chose Ball State: "I feel like Ball State was the perfect fit for me both academically and athletically."
Walton on Phillips: "Trevor is a tall outside and strong jumper with a dynamic arm. He has experience playing both indoor and on sand, and is passionate about playing at the highest level. Trevor traveled hours to practice and play with Carolina Union just to gain the necessary experience."
Mark Wickstrom – Elk Grove Village, Illinois
Wickstrom, a 6'8" outside hitter, comes to Muncie from Elk Grove High School. He has played on the varsity squad for four seasons and was named to the Mid Suburban League All-Conference Team as both a Sophomore and Junior. A team captain, Wickstrom put down 213 kills his junior season to go with 167 digs, 29 blocks and 38 aces. As a sophomore, the Illinois native recorded 222 kills, 22 blocks and 16 aces. Academically, Wickstrom has made the honor roll all three years and is a member of the Junior National Honor Society. Current Cardinal Nick Martinski was recruited from the same city just one season ago.
Why Wickstrom chose Ball State: "Ball State fulfilled my desired of a great academic school but also a good athletic school. I can get a quality education while also competing at a high level in volleyball."
Walton on Wickstrom: "Mark is an experienced player having played both high school and club volleyball. Mark uses his height as an advantage both in blocking and attacking. I look forward to working with him and developing him into a key player for our program."
Dyer Ball – Angola, Indiana
The Ball name should be familiar to both Ball State men's volleyball fans and fans of the sport in general. Ball's grandfather, Arnie Ball, played for the Cardinals from 1966-67 and was an All-MIVA performer both years. He went on to coach at Purdue Fort Wayne and was inducted into the MIVA Hall of Fame in 2018. His father, Lloy Ball, played at Purdue Fort Wayne where he has been described as the most decorated athlete in school history after being a four-time NCAA All-American and four-time U.S. Olympian. Dyer comes to BSU as a 6'6" lefty who will play on the right side. Ball has spent most of his high school career at Angola High School playing football and basketball, but will transition to volleyball and play for the Cardinals. Ball was named First Team All-Northeast Corner Conference as a junior and has amassed 17 touchdowns playing football and 483 points playing basketball.
Why Ball chose Ball State: "It was a very warm and welcoming place. It is close to home, and I love the coaches and players."
Walton on Ball: "Although he spent most of his time playing basketball and football, Dyer has been around volleyball his entire life and decided to play in college during his junior year of high school. I am thrilled he is joining the Ball State program. As a left-handed attacker, he has a natural advantage hitting on the right side of the net. Dyer attended our camp this summer and impressed our players and staff with his abilities and eagerness to learn."
The Cardinals are scheduled to open the season Jan. 10 when they host Belmont Abbey as part of the Don Shondell Active Ankle Challenge. First serve is at 7 p.m. ET.
For all the latest on Ball State men's volleyball, follow @BallStateMVB on social media and visit BallStateSports.com.
